UN Assistant Secretary General for Youth commends Bahrain’s Hope Network initiative
New York, Apr. 19 (BNA): Felipe Paullier, United Nations Assistant Secretary General for Youth, took part in a panel discussion organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs as part of the Hope Network initiative. The session was held on the sidelines of the ECOSOC Youth Forum at the United Nations Headquarters.
Paullier commended the Kingdom of Bahrain for its efforts in empowering young people and for providing real opportunities for youth to contribute to national development. He said Bahrain had become a model for placing youth at the centre of its progress.
He described the Hope Network as a valuable platform for sharing experiences, building partnerships, and promoting youth empowerment across the region and beyond. He said the initiative reflects Bahrain’s commitment to supporting youth and creating opportunities for young leaders, in line with the United Nations' goals for engaging youth as active contributors to positive change.
Paullier noted that the UN Youth Office works to promote youth participation in all areas of the organisation’s work. He emphasised that young people are not just recipients of development, but are key partners and innovators. He added that youth leadership needs strong institutions, supportive environments, and programmes that match the needs and ambitions of young people.
He said that initiatives like the Hope Network support learning, help share successful experiences, and allow others to apply those lessons in different settings. He noted that collecting best practices is a practical step that can help speed up progress.
Paullier concluded by pointing to the recent adoption of the “Pact for the Future” at the United Nations, where world leaders emphasised their commitment to youth. He said youth participation in decision making is essential to building strong institutions and trust between generations. He called for greater investment in youth, saying a better future depends on true partnership with young people.
