Manama: Rawan bint Najeeb Tawfiqi, Minister of Youth Affairs, participated in a dialogue session titled "Is the Next Generation More Prepared Than We Think? Towards a Generation Shaping the Future," held on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit in the United Arab Emirates. The session was moderated by Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs of the United Arab Emirates.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Minister Tawfiqi said that youth empowerment in the Kingdom of Bahrain is progressing rapidly and in a practical manner, based on involving young people as active partners in shaping today's priorities and leading the future. She noted that this approach is supported by national policies and programmes that place youth at the centre of development efforts, strengthen their role in decision-making, and enable them to contribute effectively to the country's future.
The minister explained that youth empowerment now focuses on giving young people real responsibilities in development and decision-making, stressing that they are not simply future potential but a capable leadership force able to bring about positive change.
On the readiness of the next generation to assume leadership roles, the minister said that the main challenge lies not in young people's abilities, but in whether strategies are able to keep pace with their ambitions. She added that assigning young people major national responsibilities has become a strategic approach that has proven effective in addressing challenges.
The minister highlighted Bahrain's experience in establishing a sustainable system for preparing young leaders through the launch of the national "Lamea" programme in 2020, initiated under the directives of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs. The programme aims to identify and develop leadership skills among young people and enable their active participation in national development.
She noted that the programme has delivered clear results, with more than 70 percent of Lamea graduates recording notable career progress in both the public and private sectors. A number of graduates have also taken on leadership roles in youth councils and national institutions. She expressed pride in being part of the programme's first graduating cohort.
The minister stressed that adaptability and flexibility are among the most important leadership skills that young people must develop in light of rapid global changes. She added that Bahrain's approach to youth leadership development focuses on creating a supportive environment based on trust, listening and encouragement, while reinforcing hope as a key element of youth work.
In closing, the minister affirmed that successful youth empowerment depends on a clear vision that supports young people and provides them with opportunities to take on responsibility. She stressed that working in partnership with youth and enabling them to lead is the most effective path towards a more prosperous and promising future for the Kingdom of Bahrain.