World Youth Skills Day: UN Careers Session Inspires Young Bahrainis

On World Youth Skills Day (15 July), young Bahrainis explored career opportunities within the United Nations during a UN Careers Talent Outreach session held at Youth City 2030 in Bahrain.

Faciliated by the United Nations Information Centre for the Gulf Countries (UNIC Manama) in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs, the session introduced participants, youg Bahrainis in their twenties, to the wide range of career pathways available across the UN system, including internships, the Young Professionals Programme (YPP), the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Programme, UN Volunteers, consultancies and professional staff positions.

Delivered by Ahmed Ben Lassoued, Director of UNIC Manama, the interactive presentation provided practical guidance on the United Nations recruitment process, application requirements, online assessments, competency-based interviews and the skills increasingly sought by the UN workforce. Participants also learned about the UN Secretariat's commitment to diversity, inclusion, innovation and youth engagement.

The session formed part of the broader United Nations engagement with young people through Youth City 2030, a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Youth Affairs that aims to equip Bahraini youth with the knowledge, skills and opportunities needed to contribute to national and global development.

“The United Nations needs talented, motivated and diverse young people who are ready to contribute to solving global challenges. Through initiatives such as Youth City 2030, we aim to help young Bahrainis better understand the opportunities available across the UN system and the skills required to build impactful international careers,” said Ben Lassoued.

Under the theme "Skills for a shared future", this year's World Youth Skills Day activities spotlighted the urgent need for innovative youth skills programmes, initiatives that empower young people not only to adapt, but to lead with empathy, bridge cultural divides, build resilience, and actively shape a more sustainable and inclusive tomorrow.

“As innovators, leaders and agents of change, young people are seeking to build more inclusive, resilient and sustainable communities and societies. It is vital that they gain the skills, training and education they need and deserve,” said United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in his message on World Youth Skills Day.