Bahrain’s efforts to revamp education and combat youth unemployment were met with overwhelming support at the International Conference of Young Parliamentarians. The proposal, led by MP Abdullah Al Rumaihi, focuses on modernizing education systems and aligning curricula with the demands of the job market. The initiative gained significant attention from representatives of 55 nations during the conference’s fifth session.
MP Al Rumaihi stressed the importance of integrating digital tools into education, particularly in regions where youth unemployment is high. He highlighted the global shortage of skilled workers, attributing it to outdated education systems. He also recognized Bahrain’s reform efforts, including initiatives spearheaded by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, such as the King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa Prize for the Use of ICT in Education in partnership with UNESCO.
Despite a global decrease in youth unemployment to 13% in 2023, driven by post-pandemic recovery, MP Al Rumaihi cautioned that the decline was not uniform. Regions like East Asia saw an increase in youth unemployment, while the Arab world, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific experienced a rise of 1%. He emphasized the need for comprehensive reforms to address the skill gap and promote economic growth.
Shura Council member Ali Al Shehabi proposed annual parliamentary reviews of education and employment progress to enhance collaboration between nations. He recommended sharing successful legislation, implementing strategies for training and job creation, and bridging the gap between school curricula and workforce demands. Al Shehabi also suggested ongoing professional development for teachers and expanded exchange programs for students and educators to better prepare them for the global job market.
