Bahrain continues to emphasize youth political empowerment through active participation in global initiatives and platforms. This commitment was evident during a recent virtual event organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), which coincided with International Youth Day. The event focused on strengthening the role of young people in political life and enabling them to contribute meaningfully to decision-making processes.
A delegation from Bahrain’s Parliamentary Division joined the session under the theme “Platforms and Initiatives for Politically Empowering Youth.” Representatives highlighted national programs and policies designed to advance youth engagement in politics. They also shared examples of successful initiatives aimed at building leadership skills and fostering civic participation among young citizens.
Parliamentarian Hassan Ibrahim stressed the importance of expanding opportunities for both youth and women in political and technological spheres. He noted that, while global youth interest in politics is rising, women often withdraw due to online harassment. In Bahrain, however, youth and women each hold 20% of ministerial and parliamentary positions. This, he said, is a positive step toward inclusive governance.
He further explained that younger generations possess a strong grasp of emerging fields such as digital currencies and artificial intelligence. According to him, these skills align with evolving global trends and will influence future policy directions. He also urged society to embrace the perspectives of younger generations, as this would lead to more adaptive and forward-looking policies.
Throughout the discussion, participants underlined the need for sustainable platforms that enable genuine political involvement. They agreed that youth political empowerment strengthens democratic processes, ensures broader representation, and enhances transparency. Such efforts, they argued, must extend to legislative institutions and government agencies to reflect the aspirations of new generations.
The session also explored the challenges facing youth in politics, including social media risks, limited access to decision-making, and generational gaps in understanding. Speakers proposed solutions such as mentorship programs, political training workshops, and digital engagement campaigns to boost participation.
Bahrain’s participation in this dialogue forms part of ongoing collaboration with the IPU to exchange best practices globally. By engaging with other countries, Bahrain aims to refine its strategies for youth political empowerment and ensure that its young leaders remain active contributors to shaping the nation’s future.
