Bahrain's long history in youth empowerment stressed

Manama, Oct. 18 (BNA): The Youth and Sport Affairs Ministry's preparations for the first International Youth Festival to achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs) are in full swing. The event will be held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa as part of the kingdom's initiatives to engage the youth from Bahrain and all over the world in attaining the UN goals. The festival is expected to draw a large number of youngsters as well as officials from all over the world and representatives from the United Nations and the UN Development Programme (UNDP). The festival is one of the key programmes provided by Bahrain as part of its pioneering global role in raising the youth's awareness and educating them on SDGs. It is also part of building distinguished partnerships of the UNDP in Bahrain to ensure success of the festival. The UN Resident Coordinator in Bahrain Amine Al-Sharqawi said the UNDP is proud of backing the first International Youth Festival which is organised by the Youth and Sport Affairs Ministry as part of its initiatives to urge countries to grant the youth the opportunity to participate in achieving SDGs. He affirmed that Bahrain has a long history in empowering the youth to achieve SDGs by launching many initiatives like the King Hamad Youth Empowerment Award, the opening of the first scientific centre to achieve SDGs and integrating the goals for the first time in the International Youth Conference last year and in the current edition. Al-Sharqawi pointed out positive contribution of the youth to the development process of their countries by bringing a new conception for development work and an unparalleled enthusiasm. "Undoubtedly the International Youth Festival will help the youth to go back to the sustainable development goals as an inspirational source for them to develop their skills and work on achieving the global goals," he said.