Kuwait, February 19, 2025 – The Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Albudaiwi, reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of GCC leaders to supporting and empowering youth, recognizing their fundamental role in shaping a sustainable and prosperous future for the region. Albudaiwi highlighted the importance of joint Gulf efforts and continuous coordination in fostering youth development across the GCC, in alignment with the aspirations of member states’ leadership. He further underscored the launch of strategic programs and initiatives, championed by the Committee of Ministers of Youth and Sports in the GCC, aimed at enhancing the youth sector’s contribution to economic and social progress while advancing the overarching objectives of the Gulf bloc.
Albudaiwi made these remarks during the 38th meeting of the GCC Ministers of Youth and Sports, held in Kuwait. The meeting was chaired by Kuwait’s Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Abdulrahman Badah Al Mutairi, who currently presides over the session. The high-level gathering served as a platform for discussing key policies and collaborative frameworks designed to empower youth, foster innovation, and strengthen their role in national development.
In his address, the Secretary General emphasized the centrality of youth in the vision of the GCC since its establishment. “From the inception of the GCC, our leaders have consistently placed youth at the forefront of their priorities, acknowledging their pivotal role in sustainable development. Youth are not merely the leaders of tomorrow; they are the driving force behind our region’s progress today,” Albudaiwi stated.
He further elaborated on the concerted efforts undertaken by GCC governments to create an enabling environment for young people, ensuring their active participation in diverse sectors. “Our member states are steadfast in their commitment to empowering youth by integrating their needs into national strategies, embracing global trends, and maximizing investment in human capital. This approach is fundamental to unlocking their potential and nurturing a new generation of leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs,” he added.
Providing insight into the demographic significance of youth within the region, Albudaiwi referenced the latest statistics from the GCC Statistical Centre. “As of 2024, the age group between 15 and 34 years constitutes approximately 22.1 million young men and women, representing 38.4% of the total population of the GCC. This substantial demographic weight underscores the immense potential of youth and the pressing need to invest in their development as a cornerstone of our future,” he explained.
The Secretary General expressed pride in the remarkable strides made by the GCC in global youth development and innovation indices, both at the Arab and international levels. He noted that these achievements are a testament to the effectiveness of the policies and strategic frameworks implemented across the Gulf region. “Our progress in global rankings reflects the success of the proactive policies and initiatives adopted by the GCC to enhance the status of youth, empowering them with the tools and opportunities necessary for meaningful contributions to society and the economy,” he remarked.
Reaffirming the GCC’s commitment to fostering greater regional cooperation in youth development, Albudaiwi emphasized the General Secretariat’s dedication to launching high-impact initiatives that align with the aspirations of young people. “The General Secretariat remains devoted to strengthening Gulf collaboration in launching quality-driven initiatives that not only meet the aspirations of our youth but also support their vital role in building a more prosperous and dynamic future,” he concluded.
The 38th GCC Ministers of Youth and Sports meeting serves as a significant milestone in reinforcing the region’s collective vision for youth empowerment. Through sustained collaboration, strategic investments, and forward-thinking policies, GCC nations are poised to cultivate a generation of empowered, skilled, and visionary youth capable of leading the Gulf into an era of unprecedented growth and innovation.