Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah seen at the opening ceremony of the Fifth Youth Empowerment Conference. —Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat

KUWAIT: Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Al- Salem Al-Sabah said HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah is supporting the fifth Youth Empowerment Symposium (Tamkeen), which reflects the government’s concern for the youth. He was speaking at the opening ceremony of the conference on Sunday at Radisson Blu Hotel.

“Since the start of this annual conference in 2012 under the aegis of HH the Amir, the political leadership has shown deep belief in the national role of the youth, who constitute the real treasure of the country,”

Sheikh Salman said. He added that the success of the conference over the past five years lies in the commitment by its organizers, participants and sponsors to the principles of social responsibility and the values of patriotism. He confirmed that development can be achieved by empowering the Kuwaiti youth, who make up the largest category of the population, and are the key pillars to achieve progress and sustainability, indicating that investment in the youth is the best bet for the present and the future.

The minister pointed out that the Ministry of State for Youth Affairs and the Public Authority for Youth work with other government and nongovernment organizations, local and international, to hone the entrepreneurial spirit of the youth in all fields of development. “I hope that youth volunteers will engage in a public awareness campaign against extremist ideology, sectarianism and terrorism, with a view to promote the values of tolerance, peace and coexistence in keeping with the calls of His Highness the Amir,” Sheikh Salman said.

Meanwhile, chairman of the conference Ali Al-Ibrahim said the conference seeks to inspire young entrepreneurs to start small and medium size enterprises, which form the backbone of the economy. Ibrahim noted that the gathering provides a chance for youth to network, improve their talents and benefit from the experience of world renowned academics, industrialists and economists. He appreciated the great efforts exerted by Tamkeen and the recognition it receives from the official authorities.

The symposium is considered an ideal opportunity for Kuwaiti youth to gain valuable insights about entrepreneurship from industry leaders, academics and experts. The 5th Youth Empowerment Symposium will host three successful startup entrepreneurs - Jeremy Liew, Corey Owens and Jennifer Boulanger. Tamkeen is an independent, non-profit and non-governmental Kuwaiti organization that seeks to empower youth and drive a new era of economic development and growth.

Tamkeen is a national initiative that is delivered by Kuwaiti youth to the youth in Kuwait. They have been holding this annual youth symposium, as well as holding separate events during the year, to educate, inform and inspire. They also work to assist youth business leaders by providing a training and development leadership program.

By Faten Omar