UN Bahrain celebrates International Youth Day

International Youth Day celebrates the immense power and potential of young people. In Bahrain, at the invitation of the Ministry of Youth, the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) engaged young people at Youth City 2030, an annual summer initiative that aims to build capacity and empower young people.

During a visit to Youth City 2030, on the 12th of August, along with Youth Affairs Minister Rawan bint Najeeb Tawfiqi and Labor Minister Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, a United Nations delegation met young people passionate about technology who presented their innovative projects. This year’s focus of Youth Day, as highlighted by the United Nations Secretary-General, is on the pivotal role of youth in harnessing technology to advance sustainable development.
 

The United Nations' participation at Youth City 2030 also included coordinated activities by several UN entities in Bahrain.

UNDP's empowering events
In collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and the Manama Shapers, a Bahraini youth-serving organization, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bahrain marked International Youth Day with empowering events around the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The programs focused on social innovation and environmental sustainability, encouraging young participants to actively contribute to a more sustainable world.

My neighborhood workshop
United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Bahrain participated with its “My Neighbourhood” workshop. This workshop encouraged young participants to envision transformative ideas for their neighbourhoods, focusing on inclusivity and sustainability. The session provided a platform for youth to voice their opinions on public space improvement, aligning with national policies and sustainable urban development goals in Bahrain.
 

International Symposium on Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) participated in a symposium titled “Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development”. The event brought together experts to discuss the impact of technological innovation in Bahrain, highlighting the role of digital technology in enhancing quality of life and achieving sustainable development.

WHO’s booth 

World Health Organization (WHO) Bahrain featured a booth showcasing its campaigns aimed at protecting youth from harmful tobacco products and the hearWHO app— a software application that gives the general public access to a hearing screener to check their hearing status.

WHO also engaged with participants on healthy habits.
 

Mentoring sessions

The UN Bahrain’s celebration of International Youth Day also included a participation, on the 11th of August, in the "Mastercard Challenge on Financial Inclusion for the SDGs", organized by the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Mastercard.  Within this initiative, the Resident Coordinator Office facilitated a session aimed at educating young people on the significance of the SGDs, while United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Manama facilitated a mentoring session for young people on International Civil Service and career opportunities at the United Nations, including the Young Professionals Program (YPP).