A Regional Youth Forum in Bahrain Discusses the Six Key Transitions To Implement Agenda 2030

The UN Information Center for the Gulf Countries (UNIC Manama) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on 20 November co-facilitated a workshop in Manama on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the “Skills of Tomorrow Forum” organized by Bahrain’s Ministry of Youth Affairs.

The participants, 41 young people from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, were divided into six groups, with each assigned to reflect on one of the six key transitions announced ahead of the SDGs summit in September 2023 to accelerate and drive momentum for action on the ground in the coming years.

Those included: (1) food systems; (2) energy access and affordability; (3) digital connectivity; (4) education; (5) jobs and social protection; and (6) climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.

Ahmed Ben Lassoued, UNIC Manama Director, highlighted the youth’s role in overcoming the challenges facing the world in achieving the SDGs halfway through the implementation of 2030 Agenda.

 “Youth will have a vital role to play in accelerating the achievement of the SDGs. The workshop was a critical thinking exercise aimed to educate the participants on the opportunities they can utilize to drive change in their communities”, said Ben Lassoued.

Gathering at the SDG Summit on 18 and 19 September, world leaders agreed to step up their efforts to deliver the SDGs urgently, our global roadmap out of crises, by 2030.

In Bahrain, the UN Country Team is gearing up to formulate the new Cooperation Framework (2025-2029) in close cooperation with the government to support the people of Bahrain in implementing the SDGs and realising their national development aspirations.