Bahrain’s youth are continuing to cement their position as leaders in innovation, entrepreneurship and the digital economy, reflecting their ability to create opportunities and shape the future, Youth Affairs Minister Rawan Tawfiqi has said.
Speaking during the opening of the GCC Youth Forum titled Professional Pathways and the Labour Market, organised virtually by the Youth Affairs Ministry to mark GCC Youth Day, the minister highlighted the growing role of young people in national and regional development.
“The GCC Youth Day celebration is an opportunity to recognise the energy, creativity and achievements of young people and their significant contributions to development,” said the minister.
“The world is changing rapidly and creating new opportunities for growth, innovation and professional advancement. Young people today have unprecedented opportunities to make an impact and contribute to the development journey of their countries.”
The event was attended by GCC Assistant Secretary-General for Economic and Development Affairs Khalid Al Sunaidi, alongside young Bahraini and Gulf representatives, regional experts and specialists.
Ms Tawfiqi said the achievements of Bahrain’s youth sector were the result of the continued support provided by His Majesty King Hamad and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, which have created an enabling environment that empowers young people and strengthens their contribution to national development.
She also praised the leadership of His Majesty’s representative for humanitarian work and youth affairs and Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS) chairman Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, noting that his initiatives and vision had helped establish an integrated framework for youth empowerment across multiple sectors.
The minister stressed that the current era requires continuous adaptation to technological developments, artificial intelligence and digital transformation.
“Leadership is built on initiative, innovation and the ability to identify opportunities and turn them into inspiring success stories,” she added, urging young people to continue investing in developing their skills and knowledge while strengthening their entrepreneurial mindset.
Organisers said the forum aimed to provide an interactive Gulf platform that encourages the exchange of experiences, ideas and best practices among young people, while enhancing their readiness for the future labour market and enabling them to capitalise on emerging opportunities.
The initiative forms part of wider GCC efforts to strengthen youth participation in sustainable development and support the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders.
Mr Al Sunaidi said GCC youth represented the region’s greatest asset and the primary driver of development and progress. “Their achievements across various fields reflect the strong support and care they receive from the leaders of the GCC states,” he added.
He said that the GCC General Secretariat remained committed to supporting initiatives and programmes aimed at empowering young people and enhancing their participation across different sectors.
The forum featured two panel discussions. The first session, Create Your Own Path, focused on building successful career journeys through clear vision, ambition and self-development. Speakers shared practical experiences and success stories in leadership, entrepreneurship, management and personal development.
Participants included Bahraini leadership and motivational coach Ashwaq Bu Ali, Kuwaiti business executive Aisha Al Wael, chief executive officer of Aspire Web Consultancy, and Emirati entrepreneur and investor Mohammed Al Nuaimi, founder of Masafa Project Management.
The second session, GCC Youth and the Labour Market, explored the rapidly evolving Gulf employment landscape, future skills and emerging opportunities in digital economy sectors, innovation and entrepreneurship. Speakers included Saudi investor and financial literacy trainer Abdullah Al Shafeeqi and Omani entrepreneur and economic consultant Dr Ishaq Al Sharyani, founder of Ithraa Academy.
The sessions were moderated by media personality Isa Sharaida.
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