Latest news with #ArabYouth
Ammon
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Ammon
Amman launches 'Capital of Arab Youth 2025' ceremony
Ammon News - On behalf of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, Minister of Youth Yazan Shdeifat on Wednesday inaugurated the official launch of "Amman, Capital of Arab Youth 2025" and the rollout of the Executive Plan for the Arab Youth, Peace, and Security Strategy. The ceremony was attended by Arab ministers of youth and sports, representatives from the Arab League, and youth delegations from 20 Arab countries. In his remarks, Shdeifat emphasized that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is among the world's leading voices advocating for youth issues, noting the Crown Prince's landmark initiative that led to the UN Security Council's adoption of Resolution 2250 the first resolution to recognize the critical role of youth in promoting peace and enhancing security. He stressed that choosing Amman as the Capital of Arab Youth is not just a ceremonial event but a genuine opportunity to translate the Arab vision for youth into practical policies and actionable plans, driven by conscious young people capable of leading real change. Shdeifat added that Jordanian youth are not merely a target group for programs but true partners in decision-making. He reaffirmed that, under Royal directives, the Ministry of Youth works to empower young people and connect them with centers of influence, viewing investment in their energy as the smartest choice for addressing challenges and strengthening social resilience. For his part, Hussein Hindawi, Assisstant Secretary-General of the Arab League, said the launch in Amman reflects confidence in Jordan's pivotal role in supporting Arab youth issues. He noted that rolling out the executive plan comes at a highly sensitive time as the region faces crises and security challenges. He stressed that empowering youth and uniting Arab efforts are top priorities, highlighting the centrality of the Palestinian cause and paying tribute to the resilience of Palestinian youth resisting occupation. He urged continued support for their legitimate struggle. Hindawi pointed out that the new Arab strategy is built on a comprehensive vision that seeks to integrate youth into decision-making processes and strengthen their contribution in addressing intellectual, social, and economic challenges. He also praised Jordan's pioneering role in this area, particularly through the Youth, Peace and Security initiative launched by the Crown Prince. Meanwhile, Ashraf Sobhy, Chair of the Executive Office of the Arab Youth and Sports Ministers Council, described the newly launched executive plan as a turning point in Arab youth work, stressing that empowering youth is no longer optional but a strategic necessity for nations seeking development and stability. He added that growing crises in the Arab world require governments and institutions to listen to youth voices and give them the space to lead initiatives and actively participate in public affairs. The event's program includes a series of dialogue sessions covering the role of youth in countering hate speech online, mechanisms for implementing peace programs at the national level, the development of national youth policies, and an overview of the strategy's executive plan through 2028. It will also highlight pioneering Arab experiences in volunteer work, entrepreneurship, and community peacebuilding.
Arab News
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Arab youth and the promise of the creative economy
For decades, the Arab world's economic narrative was dominated by hydrocarbons, with oil and gas shaping everything from cultural vision to foreign relations. More recently, the promise of artificial intelligence and digital transformation has captured the imagination of policymakers. But there is a quieter revolution underway that could prove just as pivotal for the region's future: the rise of the creative economy, driven by the energy and imagination of the Arab youth. The creative economy — encompassing art, music, dance, photography, film and entertainment — has emerged as one of the fastest-growing sectors globally, generating annual revenues of $2.25 trillion and employing 30 million people, according to UNESCO. For a region where nearly two-thirds of the population is under the age of 30, the creative industries potentially offer not just jobs but a sense of purpose and identity. They can nurture talent, spur innovation and provide a promising path to economic diversification as the world accelerates its transition to a low-carbon future. At the heart of this potential transformation are the Arab world's young people — tech-savvy, globally connected and eager for change. They are not content to be mere consumers of culture, they want to be its creators and curators. The explosion of local music scenes in Egypt, Lebanon and the Gulf, the rise of Arab rappers and DJs blending traditional sounds with global genres, and the growing popularity of regional film and photography festivals all point to an emerging creative renaissance. Initiatives like the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture, which provides grants to musicians, producers and cultural organizations across the Arab world, demonstrate the appetite for creative expression and the potential for regional collaboration. Since its inception, the fund has supported a wide range of projects, from music and cinema to visual and performing arts, helping to break down barriers and amplify Arab voices on the global stage. However, realizing the full potential of this youth dividend requires more than just funding. It calls for a mindset that values creativity as much as technical skills and that sees culture as a driver of innovation and economic growth. Policymakers must prioritize arts education, protect intellectual property rights and create platforms for young talent to showcase their work. They must also address challenges ranging from weak infrastructure to limited access to funding that hold back the sector's growth. Some Arab countries have already begun to recognize the strategic importance of the creative sector. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Gulf states, whose governments have spent billions of dollars on developing cultural infrastructure in the form of museums, opera houses, exhibition spaces and music venues, hosting international festivals, and supporting homegrown artists. The Arab youth are not content to be mere consumers of culture, they want to be its creators and curators. Arnab Neil Sengupta Saudi Arabia has pulled out all the stops to position itself as a global entertainment hub, opening its doors to both international and local talent. The Kingdom's support for music, film and live events has created a vibrant cultural scene, attracting global players who are now investing in discovering and promoting Arab artists. This influx of capital and expertise is not only creating jobs but also elevating the region's cultural output to international standards. The UAE has committed more than 30 billion dirhams ($8.1 billion) to a decade-long strategy to boost its creative industries. The establishment of the Creative Media Authority is just one part of this vision, aiming to unify various creative sectors into a vibrant ecosystem and nurture emerging fields like gaming and e-sports. Meanwhile, Qatar has established itself as a regional leader in the creative economy, with its cultural and creative industries contributing 20 billion riyals ($5.4 billion) in 2021 — about 2 percent of its gross domestic product — and more than a third of university graduates specializing in creative fields. These three Gulf governments are using a mix of world-class infrastructure, robust policy support and targeted incentives to build an environment where young talent in art, music and entertainment can thrive and contribute substantially to economic growth. The Gulf region's approach offers valuable lessons for other Arab countries, many of which remain heavily reliant on hydrocarbons or are betting exclusively on AI and tech. While digital transformation is essential, it need not come at the expense of human creativity, a resource as renewable as it is underutilized. By investing in the creative economy, Middle Eastern and North African countries can diversify their revenue streams, promote social cohesion and project a positive image of the region to the world. For the Arab world, the benefits of a thriving creative economy go beyond dollars and jobs. In a region often defined by conflict and crisis, the arts offer a means of healing, dialogue and self-expression. They help societies process trauma, challenge stereotypes and contemplate alternative futures. For young Arab people, in particular, the creative industries provide a chance to tell their own stories on their own terms. To sum up, the time has come for Arab governments, businesses and communities to recognize the creative economy not as an afterthought but as a strategic asset. The Gulf states' investments offer a template for the rest of the Arab world, but the real engine of change will be the region's youth. If given the resources, trust and freedom to create, they could transform not just their own lives, but the future of the Arab world itself.
Trade Arabia
05-06-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
1,000 students join Injaz Bahrain's Young Entrepreneurs Competition
More than 1,000 students from local high schools and universities showcased their skills and talent at the 17th annual Young Entrepreneurs Competition hosted by Injaz Bahrain. The event, held at Crowne Plaza Bahrain under the patronage of Sheikha Hessa bint Khalifa Al Khalifa, Chairperson of Injaz Bahrain, marked a significant milestone in fostering entrepreneurial spirit and innovation among Bahraini youth. This year's competition carries added significance as Injaz Bahrain celebrates its 20th anniversary — marking two decades of empowering young minds and nurturing the kingdom's future business leaders. The event featured a diverse array of 20 student companies, with 10 each from high school and university and levels. The students participated in intensive assessments, team-building activities, and inspiration sessions over two days, culminating in a grand Awards Ceremony that recognised outstanding achievements across various categories. This year, the competition also introduced five signature awards to highlight exceptional achievements. These include the Excellence in ESG Award by Bapco Energies, Best Booth and Brand Award by BASREC, Rising CEO Award by bni, Best Financial Performance Award by CrediMax and Excellence in Technology Award by NBB. Distinguished individuals served as judges in both the High School Track and the University Track, including representatives from prominent organisations including Dana Alhaddad from Beyon; Eng Jassim Darwish from GPIC; Nezar Habib from stc Bahrain and Yasser Al Khaja from Investcorp Holdings in the High School Track; Abdulaziz Tawfeeqi from Infracorp; Ali Alaradi from BDB; Amin Sultan from Alba; and Marwa Aleskafi from Tamkeen in the University Track. Injaz Bahrain also hosted signature awards judges: Buthaina Amin from Bapco Energies; Narjis Almoosawi from BASREC; Nada Mohamed from CrediMax; Amgad Abdelaal from NBB and Rayan Al Mahmood, Ammar Al Raees and Abdulla Al Basteki from bni. The 2025 award winners include: • Sadaf from British School of Bahrain won 2025 Innovative Venture Award for the High School Track • Netajna from Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance won 2025 Innovative Venture Award for the University Track • Nzr3 from Hidd Secondary Girls School won 2025 Global Impact Award for the High School Track • Pitrolas from University of Bahrain won 2025 Global Impact Award for the University Track • ReKlay from Naseem International School won 2025 Product of the Year for the High School Track • Tabog from University of Bahrain won 2025 Product of the Year for the University Track • Theemar from Beacon Private School won 2025 Company of the Year for the High School Track • Ga6ra from American University of Bahrain won 2025 Company of the Year for the University Track • Doobii from Al Falah Schools won Excellence in ESG Award (Presented by Bapco Energies) • Sadaf from British School of Bahrain won Best Booth and Brand Award (Presented by BASREC) • Tabog from University of Bahrain won Best Financial Performance Award (Presented by CrediMax) • Ga6ra from American University of Bahrain won Excellence in Technology Award (Presented by NBB) • Hood AlBuerki from Al Falah Schools won Rising CEO Award (Presented by bni) Two major announcements were made during the event: the official launch of the Injaz Bahrain Company Program Series, a documentary series chronicling the journeys of participating students, and the closing ceremony of the second cycle of Entaliq by NBB, powered by Injaz Bahrain, where student achievements and learnings were celebrated alongside NBB and INJAZ representatives. The event was supported by platinum sponsors Alba and Tamkeen, along with gold sponsor Beyon, and signature sponsors Bapco Energies, BASREC, bni, CrediMax, and NBB, underscoring the commitment of corporate Bahrain in nurturing young entrepreneurial talent. Sheikha Hessa emphasised: 'Injaz Bahrain remains dedicated to empowering our youth, providing them with platforms to unleash their creative potential and contribute to a thriving knowledge-based economy. As we celebrate 20 years of inspiring and equipping the next generation, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our partners, sponsors, volunteers, educators, and staff whose unwavering support has been instrumental in achieving our mission and driving lasting impact across the Kingdom.'
