Foreign Minister marks International Youth Day
Manama, Aug. 11 (BNA): Marking International Youth Day, observed on August 12, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the National Committee for Human Rights, expressed pride in youths’ role as part of Team Bahrain and their constructive contribution to achievements in development, human rights, and diplomacy, guided by principles of sustainability, justice, and competitiveness. This aligns with the National Human Rights Plan (2022–2026), the National Youth Strategy, and Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030.
Dr. Al Zayani commended the achievements of Bahraini youth as active partners in advancing comprehensive and sustainable development, under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and with the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
The Foreign Minister commended government programmes that empower youth and develop their talents, including the Prime Minister's Fellowship Programme and initiatives by His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majesty’s Representative for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs and President of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sport (SCYS), with the support of His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the SCYS, President of the General Sports Authority (GSA) and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC), and follow-up from the Ministry of Youth Affairs, in partnership with the Labour Fund (Tamkeen) and various national bodies.
He noted that this year’s celebrations coincide with the ongoing success of Youth City 2030, which offers an integrated environment and high-quality training opportunities to prepare and empower young people. He praised His Majesty the King’s visit to the city and his tour of its five specialised centres in science and technology, arts and culture, leadership and entrepreneurship, media and entertainment, and sport and health reiterating that youth are the nation’s true wealth and the foundation of its progress.
The Foreign Minister also expressed pride in the role of junior diplomatic staff in the Foreign Ministry, embassies, consulates, and regional and international organisations, highlighting their contributions as partners in promoting peace, tolerance, human rights, and sustainable development. He highlighted their commitment to enhancing their skills through training at the Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa Academy for Diplomatic Studies and participation in activities of the King Hamad Global Centre for Coexistence and Tolerance. He underscored the international recognition of the Kingdom of Bahrain’s wise diplomacy, including its initiative for the International Day of Peaceful Coexistence and election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2026–2027.
Dr. Al Zayani emphasised the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting youth engagement and advancing global development goals through initiatives such as the King Hamad Award for Youth Empowerment to achieve the SDGs, the Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa Global Award for Women's Empowerment (in partnership with the UN), and the launch of the global Hope Network to enhance youth competitiveness. He underlined that these efforts reflect Bahrain’s firm belief in the role of youth as partners in shaping a more cohesive and prosperous global future.
