Manama:GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi emphasized the critical role of empowering young leaders in addressing regional and international challenges. He described this empowerment as an investment in their expertise and a fundamental element for constructing a prosperous future for their nations. Albudaiwi stressed the need for leaders who are knowledgeable, capable of analyzing changes, and understand the shared responsibility of maintaining peace and supporting development.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Albudaiwi made these remarks during his meeting with participants of the Young Leaders Programme at the 22nd Regional Security Summit (IISS Manama Dialogue 2026) in Manama, Bahrain. He highlighted the importance of equipping young leaders with the ability to comprehend the interconnectedness of security, development, and diplomacy due to rapid regional and global developments.
The Secretary-General further emphasized the importance of fostering young leaders' skills in analyzing challenges, assessing their impacts, and creating appropriate solutions. He also noted the value of respecting different viewpoints and building mutual understanding. Albudaiwi underscored that dialogue among young leaders from different nations helps to exchange expertise and expand trust, contributing to shared visions on peace and stability.
Albudaiwi concluded by highlighting the necessity of combining youth ambition with initiative and responsibility, ensuring that acquired knowledge and expertise translate into tangible contributions to their communities. He expressed his hopes for the participants' success in their leadership journeys and their role in building a future of security and prosperity for the region's people.