Dr. Aseel Fuad Al Saleh, Dean of   Student Affairs at Arabian Gulf University (AGU), affirmed that International Youth Day represents an important occasion to celebrate the talents, energies, and creativity of young people, while highlighting their pivotal role in shaping the future of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Gulf states and advancing comprehensive development across various fields.

Dr. Al Saleh commended the significant care and attention afforded to Bahraini and Gulf youth by the wise leaderships of the GCC countries. She noted that this support has contributed to empowering young people and creating opportunities for them to actively participate in development, innovation, and future-making, while strengthening their presence across diverse fields that serve their communities and support the aspirations of their countries.

She explained that youth constitute a fundamental pillar of progress and advancement, given their energy and creative capabilities, which equip them to contribute to addressing challenges and capitalising on opportunities. She affirmed AGU’s commitment to providing an inspiring educational, research, and student environment that contributes to preparing a distinguished generation of scientific talent and young leaders capable of shouldering responsibility and playing an active role in the development process.

Dr. Al Saleh noted that student activities and programmes at AGU provide an important platform for translating young people’s energy and potential into impactful community initiatives. Through their participation in volunteer activities, community initiatives, and awareness programmes aimed at promoting knowledge and raising awareness of social issues, students develop a strong sense of social responsibility, volunteerism, and initiative.

She added that students’ participation in community service and public awareness initiatives contributes to shaping their personalities and developing their leadership, communication, and teamwork skills. It also provides them with an opportunity to translate their academic knowledge into practical initiatives and activities with a tangible impact. She stressed that the University views students as active partners in society, rather than merely recipients of knowledge.

Arabian Gulf University reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives and programmes that enhance young people’s capabilities and develop their leadership and innovation skills, while encouraging them to engage in community and volunteer work. These efforts align with the aspirations of the Gulf states to build knowledge-based economies driven by education, research, and innovation, as well as informed and empowered societies capable of shaping their own future.

Dr. Al Saleh expressed her confidence in the vital role young people will continue to play in advancing progress and development. She emphasised that investing in their potential and empowering them to participate in development and community service represents a genuine investment in the future, strengthening their ability to contribute to building societies that are more informed, innovative, and sustainable.