His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), pointed out that young people worldwide face significant challenges amidst numerous changes, including economic, social, educational, and those related to artificial intelligence.
He emphasised that the GCC countries, under the guidance of their leaders, are making great efforts to overcome these challenges, believing that young people are the wealth of their nations.
This came during His Excellency's participation in a workshop entitled "Global Initiatives Supporting Youth: Opportunities and Challenges," held as part of the "Global Network Supporting Youth Competitiveness" ("Hope Network").
The workshop was graciously initiated by His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs. It was attended by His Excellency Mr Aymen bin Tawfeeq Almoayed, Secretary General of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, and Her Excellency Ms Rawan bint Najeeb Tawfiqi, Minister of Youth Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain. Also in attendance were 29 ministers and officials responsible for youth sectors from various countries around the world, as well as UN officials concerned with youth and leaders of regional and international organisations. The event took place on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, in the capital, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain.
At the beginning of his participation, His Excellency the GCC Secretary General expressed his sincere gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, for their valuable efforts in supporting youth and facilitating the challenges they face through the exchange of experiences and knowledge among participants in this important initiative.
"This contributes to empowering young people to play a positive and effective role in their communities, strengthening their ability to face challenges and build a brighter future, which positively impacts the development of their countries and the achievement of sustainable development goals," His Excellency stated.
During the workshop, His Excellency said that young people face a number of challenges, including social and educational ones, in addition to the impact of artificial intelligence on the job market and the requirements of future skills. His Excellency pointed out that modern technologies, primarily artificial intelligence, require young people to keep pace with rapid developments, necessitating continuous skill development and adaptation to a constantly changing work environment.
His Excellency stressed that the GCC countries pay great attention to youth through legislation and decisions aimed at overcoming challenges and opening up opportunities for them, in addition to providing a supportive environment that enables them to achieve their ambitions, develop their skills, and participate effectively in the process of development and construction.
His Excellency the Secretary General also emphasised that young people are the cornerstone of the future and the basis of sustainable development, and that investing in their capabilities is a direct investment in the prosperity of the GCC countries and strengthening their position on the regional and international stage.