NEW YORK, April 16: The Public Authority for Youth (PAY) emphasized on Tuesday that Kuwait places youth at the heart of its national priorities, recognizing them not only as partners in the present but also as key architects of the future. This approach is rooted in Kuwait's national development plan, New Kuwait 2035.

The statement came from Abdullah Al-Adwani, Acting Deputy Director General for Youth Development at PAY and head of the Kuwaiti delegation participating in the 2025 United Nations Economic and Social Council Youth Forum. The forum, taking place at the UN headquarters from April 15 to 17, serves as a vital global platform for intellectual exchange, meaningful dialogue, and collaboration among nations to unify efforts toward a better future for youth.

Al-Adwani noted that the forum’s comprehensive agenda and diverse topics aim to shape a shared international vision that promotes the empowerment and capacity-building of youth across various sectors.

Highlighting Kuwait’s proactive approach, Al-Adwani pointed to the establishment of the Ministry of State for Youth Affairs as a key step in developing youth-centric policies. He also underscored the launch of entrepreneurship and innovation programs, as well as efforts to ensure youth participation in decision-making processes at both local and international levels.

"Youth represent over 70 percent of Kuwaiti society," Al-Adwani stressed, "and investing in their potential is not a choice, but a national and humanitarian necessity."

He added that the Kuwaiti delegation is composed of a group of outstanding and active young individuals who are contributing their ideas and initiatives at the forum. Their participation, he said, reflects the state’s clear commitment to empowering and supporting its youth.

Al-Adwani concluded by emphasizing the importance of strengthening international cooperation to guarantee that every young person, regardless of location, has the opportunity to participate, influence, and lead toward a more just and sustainable future.

The Kuwaiti delegation includes PAY’s official spokesperson, Asrar Al-Ansari, along with six distinguished young participants: Maryam Al-Omran, Ali Al-Damkhi, Fahad Al-Dhuwaihi, Abdullah Al-Failakawi, Sarah Al-Tuwaijri, and Sarah Ali — all of whom have actively contributed to the Authority’s projects and programs.