Manama: Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the King Hamad Global Center for Coexistence and Tolerance, underscored that the unwavering support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has placed youth at the forefront of national priorities, within a comprehensive framework that reflects the Kingdom's capabilities and future aspirations. He also underscored the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, aimed at enhancing youth engagement in sustainable development strategies and programmes, and supporting their spirit of innovation and creativity.
According to Bahrain News Agency, marking International Youth Day, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed emphasised the importance of this occasion as it coincides with the upcoming 30th anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth (WPAY), which serves as a general framework for empowering this vital segment as a positive force in advancing societies. He highlighted the Kingdom of Bahrain's contribution to the development of the implementation plan for the Arab Strategy on Youth, Peace, and Security 2023-2028, and to the national project "Lamea" winning the 2024 Award for Best Arab Government Project for Youth Empowerment.
Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed noted that the honourable visit of His Majesty the King to Youth City 2030 embodies the royal vision of continuing to prepare and build the capacities of youth to keep pace with rapid developments. He expressed pride in Bahrain's pioneering achievements in various sectors of youth work, within a unifying national identity and an honourable international presence.
The Minister commended the efforts and innovative initiatives of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majesty the King's Representative for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs and Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS), in investing in the potential of new generations. He also commended the role of His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of SCYS, President of the General Sports Authority (GSA), and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC), in advancing the youth and sports sector in the Kingdom.
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees said that the King Hamad Global Center for Coexistence and Tolerance continues its efforts to provide an enabling environment for youth and young people to promote intellectual enlightenment and ensure best practices in spreading the principles and values of understanding and harmony.
The Minister highlighted the launch of the "King Hamad Leadership in Coexistence Programme" in cooperation with the UK-based organisations "Faith in Leadership" and the "1928 Institute" affiliated with the University of Oxford; the "Joint Postgraduate Diploma on Coexistence" in cooperation with the United Nations University for Peace and the GIOYA Higher Education Institution (GIOYA HEI) in Malta; the Science for Peace Schools initiative, launched by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU); and the online seminar series to combat hate speech entitled "From Hate to Hope," organised in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Arigatou International, and the United Nations University for Peace.
Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed emphasised that the King Hamad Global Center for Coexistence and Tolerance draws inspiration from the visions and words of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa as articulated in the Bahrain Declaration. He emphasised that the Centre serves as a genuine partner for youth in promoting sound awareness and building bridges of coexistence, thereby contributing to a more peaceful and prosperous world.