His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majesty’s Representative for Humanitarian Works and Youth Affairs and Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sport, affirmed that the youth do not wait for others to chart a course for them, but rather look to those who believe in their ability to forge their own path. His Highness noted that trust in the youth is the foundation to build upon all future achievements, and that nations that give their youth the opportunity to take initiative have a stronger and more sustainable future.

In a statement marking International Youth Day celebrated on 12 August, His Highness noted that the Kingdom of Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, chose to make the youth part of the decision-making process years ago, rather than mere recipients of its outcomes, and to be partners in shaping the future, through a national approach based on nurturing talent.

His Highness added that this approach receives the support and follow up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, which has strengthened the integration of national efforts to build an environment that gives young people the opportunity to participate, encourages them to take on responsibility, and enables them to contribute to various development paths.

His Highness affirmed that genuine investment in the youth is when a young person feels heard, their ideas valued, and their responsibility no less important than the opportunities afforded to them. His Highness explained that the trust young people gain from their countries becomes a driving force that makes them take the initiative. His Highness noted that the future requires young people who possess the ability to learn continuously and can utilise modern technologies without losing the authentic values that form the foundation of the Bahraini character.

His Highness noted that the ambition, competence and determination of Bahraini youth provide Bahrain with a renewable asset for the future, and that the responsibility of institutions is not limited to developing programmes, but extends to creating an environment that encourages young people to think, experiment and take responsibility, because nations progress when they give their young people the opportunity to be part of the solution.

His Highness congratulated Bahraini youth on the occasion, expressing his confidence in their ability to achieve great things.