LocationsUnder the patronage of Her Excellency, Mrs. Rawan bint Najeeb Tawfiqi, Minister of Youth Affairs, the 10th edition of UNDP’s Youth Leadership Programme (YLP10) came to a successful close on September 3, 2024, at the Muharraq Model Youth Center. This intensive 6-week programme, held in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and generously sponsored by Alkooheji Foundation, highlighted the tremendous potential of Bahraini youth in driving innovation and sustainable development.
A Journey of Growth and Leadership
YLP10 provided a transformative experience for 30 exceptional young leaders, selected from over 100 applicants. They embarked on a rigorous 6-week journey designed to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to become key contributors to Bahrain’s development. This year’s theme, Youth as Community Builders: Collaborative Action towards the SDGs through Effective Communication and Digital Innovation, emphasized the pivotal role of youth in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) using digital and communication tools.
Her Excellency, Minister Tawfiqi, emphasized in her remarks that the Youth Leadership Programme aligns with the Ministry’s commitment to empowering young Bahrainis with the confidence and tools to lead the nation towards a prosperous future. “We are proud to see these youth emerge as pioneers, and we look forward to seeing them contribute even more to our country’s progress,” she said.
Celebrating Innovation and Impact
During the Awarding Ceremony, participants were recognized for their innovative approaches to solving real-world challenges, directly contributing to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Through methodologies such as Design Thinking and Systems Thinking, they explored sustainable solutions and presented their work in the final SDGs Challenge.
Mrs. Jehan AlMurbati, UNDP's Bahrain Head of Office a.i., expressed her pride in the participants: "We are truly inspired by the presence of such a dynamic and enthusiastic group of young individuals, all of whom have demonstrated a strong commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Their innovative solutions to today’s challenges reflect their critical role in shaping a sustainable future for Bahrain."
She also underscored the importance of partnerships, adding: "The success of YLP10 is a reflection of our ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and the generous support of Alkooheji Foundation. Together, we are empowering the next generation of leaders."
Looking Ahead
As the journey for this cohort of youth leaders concludes, UNDP remains committed to nurturing young talent and leadership in Bahrain. UNDP’s long-term partnership with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and youth-serving organizations like Youth Pioneer Society, Injaz Bahrain, and Global Shapers – Manama Hub has been central to the success of YLP in the past decade.
Mrs. AlMurbati further highlighted: "At UNDP, we firmly believe that the full achievement of the SDGs is contingent upon the active involvement of youth. The young people of Bahrain have already made significant progress, shaping the future of their nation. We stand ready to support their leadership journey as they continue to be shining examples for others in the pursuit of sustainable development."
Acknowledgements
Special thanks are extended to Alkooheji Foundation for their invaluable sponsorship and to all the partners, volunteers, and speakers who contributed to the success of YLP10. We also express our heartfelt appreciation to the youth-serving organizations—Youth Pioneer Society, Injaz Bahrain, and Global Shapers – Manama Hub—for their collaboration and commitment to empowering Bahrain’s youth. Together, we continue to support the youth of Bahrain on their journey to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
