How can governments better empower youth?

FROM NATIONAL VISION TO GLOBAL ACTION

Youth empowerment and participation have become defining priorities in international policy, shaping global debates on development, stability, and innovation. The Kingdom of Bahrain enters this conversation with a clear conviction: that youth are not passive beneficiaries of progress but essential partners in driving it.

This belief has guided the launch of the ‘Hope Network’– a pioneering platform that translates Bahrain’s national vision into international action by aligning youth policies with global agendas, fostering cross-border collaboration, and positioning young people as active stakeholders in decision-making. The Network is already serving as a catalyst for international collaboration. By embedding youth empowerment into policy frameworks and global partnerships, Bahrain seeks not only to serve its own society but to contribute to shaping a more sustainable international order.

THE “CHARTER OF HOPE” & THE PROMISE OF A BRIGHT FUTURE

In November 2024, the Kingdom of Bahrain hosted a landmark international convening of youth leaders, marking an unprecedented moment in global youth engagement. Based on the directives of His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the esteemed participants were formally received by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in demonstration of the Kingdom’s steadfast commitment to youth empowerment and international cooperation. The event was held in recognition of the Global Youth Competitiveness Initiative ‘Hope Network’, spearheaded by His Highness Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majesty the King’s Representative for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs and President of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports.

This occasion marked the official launch of the ‘Hope Network’, a global platform designed to unite youth stakeholders, policymakers, and innovators in addressing shared aspirations and global challenges. Bringing together representatives from countries and international organizations, including youth ministers, government officials, youth entities, and UN agencies, the Network provides a dynamic space for exchanging best practices and forging long-term collaboration in youth empowerment.

Recognizing the vital role of youth in shaping our shared future, youth leaders from around the world have come together to endorse a set of humanitarian principles and values that reflect a unified commitment to empowering younger generations. These principles, collectively known as the ‘Charter of Hope’, illuminate a path toward a more equitable and prosperous future.

First and foremost, the Charter affirms that youth are the source of hope. Representing half of the present and the entirety of the future, young people embody the energy, innovation, and resilience necessary to address global challenges and build sustainable societies. Their involvement is not only valuable, it has become indispensable to our national strategies.

Youth are also recognized as a collective responsibility. It is incumbent upon all sectors of society—governments, institutions, civil society, and communities—to work with youth and for them. This principle underscores the importance of creating supportive environments where young people can thrive and meaningfully contribute.

A central principle of the Charter is the shared duty to empower and prepare youth for the future. Ensuring access to quality education, skills development, leadership opportunities, and civic engagement is essential for unlocking the full potential of younger generations. Investing in youth today is a prerequisite for the peace, prosperity, and progress of tomorrow.

Furthermore, the Charter highlights the value of successful practices and the importance of exchanging experiences across cultures and contexts. By sharing knowledge, lessons learned, and innovative approaches, societies can accelerate development, foster mutual understanding, and build collective capacity.

Finally, the Charter emphasizes the significance of international cooperation and solidarity. Regular gatherings of youth leaders and stakeholders serve as a vital platform to promote unity, strengthen partnerships, and amplify youth voices in global decision-making processes. Through such collaboration, we can better serve humanity and safeguard the interests of future generations.

Together, these five principles form the foundation of the ‘Charter of Hope’, a guiding document that champions youth empowerment and international solidarity. It stands as a call to action for all who believe in the promise of youth and the power of collective effort to create a brighter, more just world.

From principles to implementation, the ‘Hope Network’ has rapidly translated its vision into measurable outcomes. In a short span of time, the Network has expanded to include 47 member entities, reflecting strong regional and international engagement with periodic virtual meetings. At the World Governments Summit 2025 in Dubai, Bahrain unveiled the ‘Hope Network Best Practices Guide’, featuring 28 impactful youth initiatives from 13 member countries. Complementing this, the Network maintains a continuously updated website, serving as a valuable resource for policymakers, institutions, and youth organizations seeking evidence-based, scalable models.

The Network’s mission is clear: to embed youth empowerment into global policy agendas and foster meaningful cross-country collaboration. It achieves this through mechanisms such as high-level roundtables, youth forums, and the ‘Best Practices Platform’, which showcases youth-driven initiatives and fosters global knowledge-sharing. In doing so, the Network addresses a critical gap in international youth policy, providing one of the first sustained global platforms that unites governments,
civil society, and young leaders in a common agenda.

As Bahrain continues to emerge as a leader in youth-centered initiatives, the ‘Hope Network’ stands as a testament to its commitment to innovation and sustainable progress driven by the voices and visions of young people.

THE POWER OF BELIEF

Bahrain’s story is not simply one of economic development or geopolitical strategy, it is a human story. A story of an island with an immense spirit, where ancient roots meet modern dreams. Its leaders have shown, time and again, that placing trust in youth is not a risk, but a strategic investment.

The ‘Charter of Hope’ now serves as a compass for the future of global youth empowerment, anchored in legacy, guided by vision, and powered by its people. As the Kingdom moves forward, it does so with a singular truth: nations do not rise on infrastructure alone; they rise on inspiration, whereby there is no greater source than the aspirations of the youth.

Looking ahead, Bahrain is committed to translating this belief into long-term youth policy frameworks that align with global priorities. The ‘Hope Network’ will continue to evolve as a platform for policy dialogue and cooperation by expanding its membership, deepening partnerships with international organizations, and producing actionable recommendations that strengthen youth participation worldwide.

The statements made and views expressed are solely the responsibility of the author, and do not represent Fiker Institute.