Cairo:Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, the Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the King Hamad Global Centre for Coexistence and Tolerance (KHGC), participated in the second Arab Youth Leaders Forum. The event was organized by the Arab Youth Council for Integrated Development in cooperation with the League of Arab States, focusing on the theme "Generations Preserving the Unity of the Nation" at the League's General Secretariat headquarters.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed emphasized Bahrain's dedication, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, to fostering coexistence and peace. He highlighted the importance of preserving Arab identity and empowering youth in sustainable development and progress.
During the forum, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla was awarded the Joint Arab Action Medal for Dialogue and Peaceful Coexistence, recognizing his significant contributions to these efforts. He expressed that this honor reflects His Majesty the King's vision of promoting peace and tolerance globally, and it signifies the Arab world's appreciation for Bahrain's initiatives that have made notable achievements for humanity.
Dr. Shaikh Abdulla also discussed the role of KHGC as part of a national project focused on dialogue, coexistence, and peace, contributing to social harmony and mutual understanding. This vision is encapsulated in the Bahrain Declaration on religious freedom, acknowledged internationally as a historic document advocating peace.
The Chairman highlighted Bahrain's strong historical ties with Egypt, underscoring its significance to the Arab world and its role in regional stability. He also pointed out the forum's significance in showcasing youth leadership and the potential of civil society to transform young ideas into sustainable initiatives.
Bahrain's commitment to empowering youth under the leadership of His Majesty the King was emphasized, alongside programs led by HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and efforts by His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Notable initiatives include the King Hamad Youth Empowerment Award, the global Hope Network, and Youth City 2030, which demonstrate Bahrain's trust in youth potential.
Dr. Shaikh Abdulla stressed the need for equipping youth with awareness and knowledge to combat hate speech and extremism, noting the opportunities presented by digital transformation and AI. He highlighted HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister's call for an international AI governance treaty to ensure technology contributes to sustainable development.
KHGC's mission centers on empowering youth to be ambassadors of peace through specialized programs like the King Hamad Leadership in Coexistence Program. Bahrain's broader international efforts include the King Hamad Award for Coexistence and Tolerance and the UN's International Day of Peaceful Coexistence. The Center aims to enhance cooperation with partners to boost youth's role in promoting dialogue, peace, and coexistence for a peaceful future in the Arab world.