Budapest: Rawan bint Najeeb Tawfeeqi, Minister of Youth Affairs, participated in a main dialogue session titled "The Youth Dividend" at Brain Bar 2026. The Youth Minister highlighted Bahrain's experience in youth empowerment, global developments in the youth sector, and the role of international cooperation in developing more innovative and sustainable solutions.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Minister Tawfeeqi emphasized that Bahrain, under the comprehensive development process led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, places youth among its development priorities. This approach recognizes the key role of youth in shaping the future and contributing to national aspirations.
She elaborated on the importance of investing in youth by expanding their participation, developing their capabilities, and empowering them to turn their ideas and ambitions into initiatives and opportunities. The Youth Minister stated that Bahrain's focus on youth is rooted in a longstanding institutional approach, evident in the establishment of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS) in 1975, which underscores Bahrain's early commitment to youth development.
Minister Tawfeeqi highlighted the transformation of youth work in Bahrain, focusing on developing policies, strategic directions, and frameworks that support the youth sector. The Ministry of Youth Affairs aims to enhance the role of youth organizations and initiatives in implementing and developing programs and projects.
Bahrain's youth ecosystem now includes 38 youth empowerment centers, 27 youth organizations and associations, and three model youth centers, reaching over 130,000 young people annually. The Youth Minister emphasized Youth City 2030 as a premier national platform for developing young people's skills and experiences. Its 15th edition saw participation from 10,547 young people through 343 programs, providing over 15,000 training opportunities.
Minister Tawfeeqi noted the impact of these programs and opportunities on young people's lives, helping them turn skills into career paths, ideas into projects and businesses, talent into innovation, and confidence into leadership. She also acknowledged the rapid global changes driven by technology and new ideas, which open new avenues for learning, innovation, and opportunity creation for young people.
She mentioned the Hope Network, launched from Bahrain in 2024, which connects 52 members, including countries and institutions, to exchange ideas, expertise, and solutions in youth empowerment. The network supports the joint development of solutions and facilitates international cooperation.
Minister Tawfeeqi affirmed Bahrain's commitment to continue this approach by participating in promising youth initiatives like Brain Bar, enhancing the exchange of expertise, and opening new avenues for cooperation in youth empowerment. The session included an interactive discussion between the minister and participants on challenges facing young people and ways to enhance their role in shaping the future.