Riyadh: Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi affirmed that GCC leaders place great importance on youth, recognizing their vital role in driving development and building resilient Gulf societies capable of meeting challenges, preserving cultural identity, and contributing to a bright, secure, and sustainable future.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Albudaiwi made these remarks yesterday at the GCC's General Secretariat's celebration of Gulf Youth Day at its headquarters in Riyadh. He added that the GCC countries have been keen to empower youth, cement their participation in various sectors, and create a supportive environment for them to innovate, create, and lead, in a way that contributes to achieving their aspirations and ambitions.
He also pointed out that the GCC's General Secretariat, with the support of its member states, has launched the "Gulf Youth Index," an accurate scientific tool that monitors the reality of youth, measures their progress, and highlights areas for possible improvement. This index, he added, is a leap in joint youth work, as it relies on modern data and statistics covering various aspects of youth life, from education, health, and community participation to employment, innovation, and quality of life.
Albudaiwi highlighted some statistics, stating that the 15- to 34-year-old age group constitutes about 36% of the total population of the GCC countries, a percentage that represents a huge human resource if invested correctly. The data also showed that youth participation in sports, cultural, and social activities exceeded 40% in some countries, reflecting their awareness of the importance of positive interaction with their societies. The percentage of entrepreneurial projects led by young people between the ages of 20 and 34 exceeded 40% of the total emerging projects in some GCC countries, a highly significant indicator of the spirit of initiative and responsibility that the youth of the Gulf possess.
He also announced the General Secretariat's intention to adopt a proposal to establish a "Gulf Youth Council," with an ambitious vision to empower Gulf youth to be active partners in shaping future policies and enhancing Gulf integration.