On the occasion of International Youth Day, which falls on August 12 every year, leaders and international and national institutions come together under the global network supporting youth competitiveness, “Hope Network,” to renew their commitment to empowering youth and enhancing their role as active partners in shaping the future.
The Hope Network is a pioneering global platform that brings together leading decision-makers and youth-supporting institutions worldwide, contributing to the exchange of expertise, the stimulation of innovation, and the opening of new horizons for young talents. On this occasion, a number of leaders and officials who are members of the Network shared their visions and messages reaffirming the importance of investing in young people’s capabilities and supporting their participation in the development process.
His Excellency Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs in the United Arab Emirates and a member of the Hope Network, said:
“International Youth Day represents an annual milestone of critical significance in the path of global development, as it embodies the achievements made in empowering youth and reflects the global vision of investing in people, recognizing the essential role of young people in shaping the future.”
He added: “The UAE has succeeded in presenting a global model in nurturing youth, enhancing their participation in various fields, and providing an environment that enables them to turn their ideas into achievements and their ambitions into tangible realities. What has been achieved is not the result of the moment, but rather the continuation of a vision established since the founding of the Union, and developed thanks to the wise leadership that placed young national talents at the heart of its development project.”
He explained that what distinguishes the approach to youth empowerment is its ability to create a positive impact that resonates across societies, through youth engagement in key fields of science, technology, innovation, and space, and by taking leading positions in vital areas that contribute to human progress and the sustainability of civilization.
Her Excellency Ms. Athina Michaelidou, Minister of Education, Sports and Youth of the Republic of Cyprus and a member of the Hope Network, said on the occasion of International Youth Day:
“The Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth reaffirms its firm commitment to empowering young people in Cyprus by enhancing their participation in decision-making, equipping them with the skills necessary for smooth integration into the labor market, creating conditions for decent work, and encouraging entrepreneurship.
We also work on promoting equal access to education, ensuring a fair standard of living, and supporting mental health and wellbeing. Through international partnerships and targeted initiatives, we strive to equip every young person with the tools and opportunities they need to grow and thrive. We celebrate their creativity, resilience, and limitless potential to build a better future.”
His Excellency Mr. Sery Chumnayas, Minister of Education, Youth and Sports of the Kingdom of Cambodia and a member of the Hope Network, noted that the Ministry is proudly celebrating International Youth Day 2025 under the theme: “Local Youth Action for Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and Beyond.”
He stressed the vital role of youth in driving real change, leading local projects, fostering sustainability, and turning ideas into concrete actions, highlighting that their impact is felt from rural villages to urban centers. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to empowering youth by equipping them with the tools, opportunities, and support they need to thrive, emphasizing that collective action can build a more inclusive and sustainable future led by young people.
His Excellency Mr. Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Chair of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and a member of the Hope Network, stated:
“As a proud member of the Global Youth Competitiveness Network – the Hope Network, we commend the Kingdom of Bahrain’s pioneering efforts in youth engagement.
The Hope Network continues to connect institutions globally, strengthening cooperation, innovation, and opportunities for young minds to thrive in an increasingly competitive world.” He added: “Through the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, we are committed to empowering youth by investing in platforms that build skills, confidence, and opportunities. We have launched pioneering initiatives, including the Digital Youth Hub platform, the National Policy for Adolescents and Youth, and the first-ever National Youth Games to be held in September 2025. We are distributing laptops on merit, providing job opportunities through the AI-based DYH platform, and promoting men’s and women’s cricket alongside e-sports. Our youth magazine SPARK provides a creative outlet for young people to express their ideas. In entrepreneurship, Pakistan has developed a vibrant portfolio of concessional loans for young innovators, startups, and small businesses, rooted in the belief that economic empowerment is the cornerstone of a prosperous future.”
His Excellency Ahmed Talib Al Shamsi, CEO of Emirates Foundation and a member of the Hope Network, said:
“On International Youth Day, we renew our commitment to empowering our youth to be active partners in development and impact creation. Through our membership in the Hope Network, we work on strengthening the capacities of Emirati youth to lead innovative initiatives that serve the community and enhance its global competitiveness. Emirati youth have demonstrated their ability to turn challenges into opportunities when provided with a supportive environment. We firmly believe that engaging young people in community initiatives is one of the most important pillars for building a sustainable, cohesive, and proactive society.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Gergely B. Nagy, founder of Brain Bar and a member of the Hope Network, emphasized that the Network represents a pioneering global platform that elevates the role of youth, bringing together countries and members who believe in their potential, opening horizons before them, and providing spaces that strengthen their participation in decision-making, nurture their leadership skills, and activate their role across diverse fields.
He explained that the Network is a bridge of hope connecting young talents with the world, turning their ideas into tangible achievements that serve their nations. He stressed that young people are the true wealth and the drivers of progress and prosperity, affirming that empowering them is not an option but a shared duty and responsibility, and that investing in their talents and creativity is the surest path to building a sustainable future that reflects the aspirations of generations to come.