EMPOWERING Bahraini youth ahead of national polls later this year will usher a new era of future community leaders.
To that end, a platform was needed to launch youth parliamentary work initiatives and programmes in partnership with community, youth and rights’ organisations, said newly-appointed Social Development Minister Osama Al Asfoor, a former Shura Council secretary-general.
He was speaking during a webinar marking the annual International Day of Parliamentarism celebrated worldwide yesterday.
The event was held under the joint patronage of Parliament Speaker Fouzia Zainal and Shura Council chairman Ali Al Saleh under the theme ‘Parliaments and Social Partnership’.
“We have huge youth potential that needs tapping into, which we believe could have a strong presence in decision-making, while influencing positive change within the community,” said Mr Al Asfoor.
“Youth should be always prepared to face possible challenges imposed by the international community and that’s why registered societies under the ministry should work to groom future community leaders.
“For the past five years, the Youth Pioneer Society has taken the initiative to hone young prospects into becoming future parliamentarians, and we are looking for more involvement.”
The minister called for active public participation.
“We conduct our social development programmes directed towards people with disabilities, the elderly and children alongside combating begging in partnership with the social organisations and the private sector.
“The ministry is also working with its partners to help and empower productive families.
“However, this requires active participation and input from the public, mainly youth, and for that we believe that the youth need to step up as leaders.
Shura Council member Sabah Al Dossary, who is a former Labour and Social Development Ministry under-secretary, said social partnership is a responsibility shared between youth and legislators.
“Bahrainis are capable of handling any responsibility,” he said.
“But that doesn’t mean there shouldn’t be more involvement from everyone, youth and legislators, to achieve higher goals.”
MP Ammar Qambar, who was one of the youngest MPs elected in 2018, said that youths should vow for the highest posts.
“Youths as legislators, or in general as decision-makers in all posts elected or appointed, can overcome all fresh hurdles that may be thrown in their way,” he said.
“It is all about collective work between youths, legislators, government officials and community members to resolve problems, develop the country and plan for the future.”
National Institute for Human Rights (NIHR) rights and freedoms committee chairwoman commissioner Dr Fouzia Al Saleh said Bahrain has been successful in embedding and implementing the principles of transparency and democracy despite global challenges.
“We encourage everyone to run and vote for fair national elections, parliamentary and municipal, later this year,” she said.
“Bahrain has been and will continue embedding and implementing the principles of transparency and democracy despite global challenges.”
Interior Ministry ministerial committees head Captain Mohammed Al Hermi said policing work has progressed from security to public participation over the years.
“The progress of police work has helped us with the introduction of advanced projects like alternative punishments and open prisons,” he said.
“Community police has also evolved to have a bigger role since the launch of the programme years ago.”
MPs, Shura Council members, journalists and government officials were also present at the event.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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