Amin (GCC): Gulf countries place investment in human capital and capacity development at the core of their priorities
Manama, Sept 2 (KUNA) – GCC Secretary-General Jassem Al-Bedaiwi said here on Wednesday that the Gulf states’ focus on youth is reflected in their national visions and strategies, which place human capital investment and capacity development at the core of their priorities.
This was stated in a speech delivered by Al-Bedaiwi during his participation in the 39th meeting of the GCC Ministers of Youth and Sports, held under the chairmanship of Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, Chairman of the General Authority for Sports, and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee. The meeting was attended by Kuwait’s Minister of State for Youth and Sports Affairs, Dr. Tariq Al-Jalahma, and the ministers of youth and sports from the GCC member states.
The GCC Secretary-General expressed his highest gratitude, appreciation, and thanks to Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for hosting the meeting, and for the facilitations and support provided and continued by the Kingdom to ensure the success of the GCC’s work. He also highlighted the strong backing and attention given by King Hamad and the GCC leaders to joint Gulf efforts across all fields.
Al-Bedaiwi added that GCC states have worked to expand youth participation across various sectors and to create an enabling environment for creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship, empowering them to play a more effective role in economic and social development.
He emphasized that youth represent a central pillar in the Gulf states, in line with the visions and directions of the GCC leaders, based on their conviction of the pivotal role youth play in the development process. They constitute an active national force that contributes to building the future of their countries, enhancing their competitiveness, and consolidating the foundations of their sustainable prosperity.
During his speech, he pointed to the landmark youth initiatives and programs underway in GCC states, including the United Arab Emirates’ launch of “Youth Spaces,” Bahrain’s establishment of “Youth City 2030,” Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup, Oman’s launch of the Youth Ambassadors program, Qatar’s adoption of the Youth Creativity Award in the Data World, and Kuwait’s initiation of the Kuwait Tech Entrepreneurship Program.
He affirmed that these initiatives and events clearly demonstrate the prominent status accorded to the youth of the GCC member states in the priorities of the ministers of youth and sports, as well as the distinguished efforts made to translate the directives of the GCC leaders into pioneering initiatives that invest in youth potential, hone their capabilities, broaden their participation opportunities, and enable them to contribute effectively to shaping the future of their countries and advancing shared Gulf development.
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