Zainab Sayed Shubber, a medical student at the Arabian Gulf University's College of Medicine & Medical Sciences and a member of the Bahraini Youth Ambassadors Programme, participated in the 8th Edition of Misk Global Forum 2024, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

 Zainab's participation in the forum's main events and workshops showcased the bright image of Bahraini youth. She actively engaged with and learned from numerous young participants from around the world.  She interacted with her peers, discussing various topics and issues presented at the forum, demonstrating the high capabilities and skills of Bahraini youth in dialogue and leveraging successful experiences for self-improvement.

 In this context, Her Excellency the Minister of Youth Affairs, Ms. Rawan bint Najeeb Tawfiqi, emphasised Bahrain's proactive approach to shaping the future of youth work in the Kingdom. This approach, she explained, stems from His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain’s, vision for youth empowerment through high-quality, modern programmes.

“The government, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, has prioritised youth empowerment within its national programme.  Furthermore, the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majesty the King's Representative for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, has adopted the National Strategy for Youth Empowerment,” Her Excellency explained.

 Moreover, the Minister stated:  "Bahrain has witnessed a significant transformation in policies governing youth organisations over the past five years.  This work has evolved to better reflect the needs and aspirations of young people, enhancing their participation in shaping the future.  In the past, the Ministry of Youth Affairs was primarily responsible for implementing youth programmes. Today, however, fully independent youth-led entities oversee and manage national youth programmes, empowering them to take the initiative.  Youth elect their own boards, determine strategic priorities, and approve programmes.  Furthermore, they have recently been granted the authority to establish investment companies, enabling them to diversify their funding sources."

 Zainab, currently studying medicine at AGU, has already achieved over 70 accomplishments. She holds professional certifications in various fields, and has won second place in Arabic debate competitions across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Yemen, fourth place in the Reading Challenge, first place in numerous poetry competitions, and qualified at the national level in the Shaikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Distinguished Academic Performance.

The Misk Global Forum 2024, held in Riyadh under the theme "The Future is in Your Hands," is part of Saudi Arabia's youth empowerment strategy based on five core pillars, known as "5+1." This strategy aims to foster a sense of security, support, and confidence among young people. The "+1" element focuses on instilling faith and hope in a brighter present and future, recognising youth as the true source of hope and the architects of tomorrow.