Budapest: Rawan bint Najeeb Tawfeeqi, Minister of Youth Affairs, participated in a main dialogue session titled “The Youth Dividend” at Brain Bar 2026.
The 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.
Minister Tawfeeqi said 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, recognising their key role in shaping the future and contributing to national aspirations.
She said investing in youth involves expanding their participation, developing their capabilities, and empowering them to turn their ideas and ambitions into initiatives and opportunities.
The Minister said that Bahrain’s focus on youth is based on a longstanding institutional approach, reflected in the establishment of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS) in 1975. She said this demonstrated Bahrain’s early commitment to building institutions dedicated to developing young people’s capabilities and enhancing their participation in national development.
Minister Tawfeeqi highlighted the transformation of youth work in Bahrain, noting that the Ministry of Youth Affairs increasingly focuses on developing policies, strategic directions, and frameworks that support the youth sector, while enhancing the role of youth organisations and initiatives in implementing and developing programmes and projects.
She said Bahrain’s youth ecosystem now comprises 38 youth empowerment centres, 27 youth organisations and associations, and three model youth centres, reaching more than 130,000 young people annually.
The Youth Minister added that Youth City 2030 is a leading national platform for developing the skills and experiences of young people. Its 15th edition attracted 10,547 young people through 343 programmes and provided more than 15,000 training opportunities.
Minister Tawfeeqi said the true value of these programmes and opportunities lies in their impact on young people’s lives, turning skills into career paths, ideas into projects and businesses, talent into innovation, and confidence into leadership.
She added that rapid global changes driven by technology and new ideas are opening new avenues for young people to learn, innovate, and create opportunities. She noted that countries around the world have significant youth talent and potential, and that achieving meaningful impact depends on identifying and developing these capabilities.
Minister highlighted the Hope Network, launched from Bahrain in 2024 to bring together countries and institutions to exchange ideas, expertise, and solutions in youth empowerment. She said the network now has 52 members and connects countries and institutions to support the joint development of solutions.
Minister Tawfeeqi said Bahrain seeks to continue this approach by participating in promising youth initiatives such as Brain Bar, enhancing the exchange of expertise and opening new avenues for cooperation in youth empowerment.
The session featured an interactive discussion between the minister and participants on issues and challenges facing young people, as well as means to enhance their role in shaping the future and harness their capabilities.
