Derasat Executive Director participates in 62nd Munich Security Conference

Manama, Feb. 15 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa deputised His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, to honour the winners of the fifth edition of the King Hamad Award for Youth Empowerment to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, in the presence of a number of Their Excellencies ministers and senior officials.

HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad said that the award has become a milestone and a pioneering international initiative, as the first award dedicated specifically to empowering youth in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. His Highness noted that the support of His Majesty the King for Bahraini and international youth has reinforced the Kingdom of Bahrain’s position as a global model in youth empowerment and strengthening their role in development paths. His Highness also commended the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for backing youth initiatives and ensuring the development of young cadres through various programmes.

HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad highlighted that youth participation in achieving sustainable development goals is a message of renewed hope and conscious responsibility towards the future, where young people have proven their ability to turn challenges into opportunities and offer innovative solutions and practical initiatives that have a tangible impact at the local and international levels, showcasing leadership, innovation and commitment to their communities and the world.

HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad expressed sincere appreciation to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for its effective strategic partnership, and to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its continued support, reflecting the integration of national and international efforts in empowering youth. His Highness also commended the efforts of the preliminary and higher judging panels, commending their commitment to the highest professional standards and to the principles of transparency and integrity to ensure the credibility and fairness of the evaluation process.

HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad reiterated that the award will continue its role in enhancing youth contributions to sustainable development and empowering them to lead positive change, wishing the winners continued success and the youth of Bahrain and the world a brighter and more accomplished future.

Manal Fouani, Representative of the UNDP, delivered a speech expressing the programme’s pride in participating in the King Hamad Award ceremony, praising the partnership with the Kingdom of Bahrain for nearly five decades in supporting institutional, economic, social and environmental development paths.

She highlighted that since its launch in 2017, the award has embodied the Kingdom of Bahrain’s commitment to empowering youth and aligning its efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals. She noted the close cooperation with the Ministry of Youth Affairs to develop the award and strengthen its international presence, which has been reflected in its wide global participation.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad honoured the members of the preliminary and higher judging panels and the winners. The results were as follows:

First: Youth Category

- Planet Award: Zain Ali Siddiqui – Islamic Republic of Pakistan

- Peace Award: Ange-Marie Nicodeme Esse – Republic of Benin

- People Award: Oliver Mwalongo – United Republic of Tanzania

- Prosperity Award: Juan Pierre Pierre – Republic of Mauritius

Second: Youth Supporters Category

- Financial Award: Ashraya Initiative for Children – Republic of India

- Institutional Award: Bahrain Commercial Facilities Company – Kingdom of Bahrain

- Technical and Digital Award: National University for Science and Technology – Sultanate of Oman