Al-Badawi: Gulf countries have created a conducive environment for youth to innovate and create

The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jassem Al-Bedaiwi, said in Manama yesterday that the Gulf states’ interest in youth is reflected in their national visions and strategies, which place investment in human capital and the development of capabilities at the core of their priorities. This came in a speech delivered by Al-Bedaiwi during his participation in the 39th meeting of the GCC Ministers of Youth and Sports Committee.

The GCC Secretary-General extended his highest expressions of gratitude, appreciation, and thanks to Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for hosting the meeting in Bahrain, and for the facilitations and support provided and continued by the Kingdom to ensure the success of the GCC’s work, as well as for the backing and attention afforded to joint Gulf efforts by the Bahraini King and the leaders of the member states, may God protect and guard them, across all fields.

Al-Bedaiwi added that GCC member 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 constitute a central pillar in the Gulf states, in line with the visions and orientations of the GCC leaders, reflecting their conviction in the pivotal role of young people in the development process, given that they represent an active national force that contributes to building the future of our countries, enhancing their competitiveness, and consolidating the foundations of their sustainable prosperity.

In his speech, he pointed to the landmark youth initiatives and programs underway in GCC member states, including the United Arab Emirates’ launch of the “Youth Spaces” initiative, Bahrain’s establishment of the Bahrain 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 launch of the Kuwait Tech Entrepreneurship Program.