Manama: Dr. Ali bin Mohamed Al Romaihi, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Bahrain Institute for Political Development (BIPD), participated in a session focusing on leadership and awareness in the digital media era at Youth City 2030. The event was organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs in collaboration with its strategic partner, the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), and was held in conjunction with International Youth Day.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Dr. Al Romaihi emphasized the importance of promoting awareness among youth and enhancing their ability to discern between reliable information and misleading content. This, he stated, is crucial for protecting national identity and strengthening a sense of belonging, particularly in light of the growing influence of digital media and social media platforms on public opinion and society.
Dr. Al Romaihi addressed the challenges of the digital age, noting that it is not merely about the sheer volume of information available but also the need to approach information with awareness and responsibility. This is especially important given the prevalence of rumors, misleading news, fake accounts, influence campaigns, and algorithmic manipulation. He asserted that well-informed youth are vital to protecting society, enhancing social cohesion, and reinforcing confidence in national institutions.
He further noted that social media platforms play a significant role in the daily lives of young people, underscoring the need to develop skills to verify and analyze information and understand the objectives and messages behind circulated content. The session highlighted the importance of enhancing awareness, protecting national identity, and reinforcing public confidence in state institutions. It focused on distinguishing between political awareness rooted in rationality and national responsibility and politicisation based on emotion and selectivity.
Dr. Al Romaihi also discussed the role of educational and media institutions, institutes, and social media platforms in building national awareness. He emphasized that addressing misinformation begins with developing the ability to read, analyze, and assess information responsibly. He highlighted the impact of social media on national identity and the necessity of responsible content that supports the values of citizenship and national principles.
In addition to sharing leadership lessons from his professional experience, Dr. Al Romaihi stressed the importance of initiative, avoiding excessive planning, and not being preoccupied with self-evaluation. He highlighted the significance of listening, emotional and social intelligence, creating a motivating work environment, and a leader's ability to develop future leaders. He noted that true leadership relies on influence, motivation, and developing people rather than fear or authority alone.
Dr. Al Romaihi and the BIPD delegation toured Youth City 2030, where they were briefed on its programmes, initiatives, and activities. He praised Youth City 2030 for its role in empowering Bahraini youth and developing their skills and capabilities through programmes that integrate training, knowledge, innovation, leadership, and professional development. He remarked that the variety of programmes reflects Bahrain's dedication to preparing a qualified generation capable of meeting future requirements.