On behalf of HM the King, HRH the Crown Prince inaugurates the launch of the 2018 Youthful Festival

Manama, Oct.22 (BNA): On behalf of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, today inaugurated the launch of the 2018 Youthful Festival - the First International Global Youth Festival for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), at Isa Town Sports City. The international festival, held under the patronage of HM the King and organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sport Affairs in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), aims to raise awareness among youth regarding steps taken to recognize and achieve the UN’s SDGs through a wide range of activities and events. During the launch, HRH the Crown Prince highlighted the Kingdom’s achievements in meeting various SDGs in line with its comprehensive development program, led by His Majesty King Hamad. HRH the Crown Prince further highlighted the importance of spreading awareness of the SDGs to youth, as they play an integral role as future leaders of the Kingdom’s development. HRH the Crown Prince went on to praise the efforts of the Representative of HM the King for Charity Work and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sport and President of Bahrain Olympic Committee His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, as well as the organizers in planning the international event. HRH the Crown Prince noted the event’s role in educating youth on the importance of working towards the SDGs and of understanding the crucial requirements needed for long-term development. HRH the Crown Prince emphasized that the Kingdom’s partnership with the UNDP in organizing events such as this one, underscores Bahrain’s continued commitment in cooperating and coordinating with international institutions on achieving the SDGs to benefit the country and its citizens. The Representative of HM the King for Charity Work and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sport and President of Bahrain Olympic Committee His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa then gave a speech in which he highlighted Bahrain’s achievements in reaching various SDGs. HH Shaikh Nasser further emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to youth empowerment, by supporting the efforts and initiatives aimed at strengthening their role in society. HH Shaikh Nasser went on to welcome all those participating in the festival and noted the role of future generations in working towards accelerating sustainable development, and its benefits to all. The ceremony also included various performances and a short film. HH Shaikh Nasser then honored the winners of the 2018 Nasser bin Hamad International Youth Creativity Award, an initiative made to encourage youth to participate in the SDGs change process using multiple creative mediums.