*** The Future Has a Young Face | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

The Future Has a Young Face

Youth Minister highlights learning, adaptability and innovation
 
Minister of Youth Affairs Rawan bint Najeeb Tawfiqi said Bahrain’s national vision has opened wider opportunities for young people to learn, develop and demonstrate their abilities across different fields.
Speaking on International Youth Day, she said the journey of young people is shaped by accumulated experiences, knowledge and achievements, as well as by initiative and the willingness to learn from every attempt.
 
She noted that every experience undertaken by a young person contributes to the nation by helping build greater awareness, broader expertise and stronger readiness to shape both personal and national futures.
 
The minister also praised the vision and initiatives of HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, noting that they have placed practical experience at the centre of Bahraini youth development and expanded opportunities for learning, participation and challenge.
 
Youth Voices into Institutional Development
 
The role of young people in institutional development was also highlighted by Shura Council Secretary-General Kareema Mohammed Abdullah Al-Abbasi.
She said young people account for 32% of the Shura Council General Secretariat’s workforce and that youth initiatives and proposals are being incorporated into the Council’s 2027-2031 strategy.
 
The strategy aims to use young people’s innovative ideas and developmental perspectives to improve legislative work and support the transition towards a smart parliament.
 
Al-Abbasi said the General Secretariat regards young people as essential partners in developing institutional and legislative work and is committed to providing opportunities for them to transform their ideas and aspirations into practical initiatives.
 
Traditional shipbuilding
 
Among the programmes at Youth City 2030 is a traditional shipbuilding programme designed to teach young participants practical skills associated with Bahrain’s maritime heritage.
 
Programme trainer Jamal Shaheen said participants are being introduced to traditional shipbuilding methods and techniques used by previous generations.
 
He noted strong interest from both young men and women, describing the programme as an opportunity to preserve the traditional craft and ensure its transmission to future generations.
 
Participant Shahad Adel said the programme had introduced her to new woodworking skills, including techniques for bending and shaping wood without breaking it.
 
RHF highlights long-term youth support
 
The Royal Humanitarian Foundation also highlighted its focus on youth empowerment. Acting Secretary-General Ibrahim Delhan Al Doseri said the foundation has supported young people under its care for 25 years through programmes designed to develop their skills, leadership abilities and sense of responsibility.
He said several beneficiaries have gone on to occupy leadership positions in different fields, demonstrating how sustained care and support can contribute to empowerment, achievement and wider participation in society.
 
The foundation, he added, will continue developing youth-focused programmes and initiatives to respond to their aspirations and needs and provide greater opportunities for them to contribute to Bahrain’s future.