His Majesty King Hamad deputised his representative for humanitarian work and youth affairs Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa to honour the winners of the fifth edition of the King Hamad Award for Youth Empowerment to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, in the presence of ministers and senior officials.
Shaikh Nasser said the award has become a milestone and a pioneering international initiative, as the first award dedicated specifically to empowering youth in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. He noted that the support of His Majesty for Bahraini and international youth has reinforced Bahrain’s position as a global model in youth empowerment and strengthening their role in development paths.
He also praised the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for backing youth initiatives and ensuring the development of young cadres through various programmes.
Shaikh Nasser expressed sincere appreciation to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for its effective strategic partnership, and to the Foreign Ministry for its continued support.
Shaikh Nasser reiterated that the award will continue its role in enhancing youth contributions to sustainable development and empowering them to lead positive change, wishing the winners continued success and the youth of Bahrain and the world a brighter and more accomplished future.
UNDP representative Manal Fouani expressed the programme’s pride in participating in the King Hamad Award ceremony, praising the partnership with Bahrain for nearly five decades in supporting institutional, economic, social and environmental development paths.
She highlighted that since its launch in 2017, the award has embodied Bahrain’s commitment to empowering youth and aligning its efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals. She noted the close co-operation with the Youth Affairs Ministry to develop the award and strengthen its international presence, which has been reflected in its wide global participation.
Shaikh Nasser honoured the members of the judging panels and the winners. The results were as follows:
First: Youth Category
- Planet Award: Zain Ali Siddiqui – Pakistan
- Peace Award: Ange-Marie Nicodeme Esse – Benin
- People Award: Oliver Mwalongo – Tanzania
- Prosperity Award: Juan Pierre Pierre – Mauritius
Second: Youth Supporters Category
- Financial Award: Ashraya Initiative for Children – India
- Institutional Award: Bahrain Commercial Facilities Company – Bahrain
- Technical and Digital Award: National University for Science and Technology – Oman.
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