More than 500 participants from 36 nations gathered yesterday (September 22) at the Gulf Hotel for the opening session of the International Youth Conference in Bahrain.

Three main themes were presented by a group of experts from Bahrain and abroad, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

The event, being organised by the General Organisation of Youth and Sports (Goys), is under the patronage of Supreme Council for Youth and Sports chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

The first theme, entitled 'youth peace and basics of life', focused on setting up the basic concept of peace and identify the roles of the youth in order to achieve peace.

Speakers were His Majesty King Hamad's Adviser for Media Affairs Nabeel Al Hamer, Bahrain American Council president Dr Al Sadeq Khalafallah and International Security Co-operation director Ambassador Mahsh Said Al Hamli.

Bahrain Federation of Expatriate Associations secretary-general Betsy Mathieson also presented a paper highlighting the importance of the conference to break the barriers between nations and bring peace to the whole world.

The second theme highlighted youth peace and economic development.

Speakers included Centre for International Trade and Economics at the Heritage Foundation in Washington DC director Terry Miller.

Other speakers were Eskan Bank chief executive Dr Khalid Abdulla Taqi, Bahrain Economic Development Board chief economist and strategy and planning executive director Dr Jarmo Kotilaine and Tamkeen vice-chairman Khalid Ali.

The third theme of the day discussed youth peace and the media, and how to use social networking sites to support the peace process.

Media personalities Mohammed Al Arab of Al Arabiya TV channel, Ahmed Al Fahad of Kuwait's Al Watan newspaper and Bahrain's Al Watan newspaper writer Hisham Al Zayani were the speakers.

Other papers were submitted by media representatives Saud Al Kaabi and Roaa Al Sabban from Dubai.

The participants, meanwhile, were taken on a tour of Al Areen Wildlife Sanctuary.

The second session will be held today with three more themes to be presented.

The event aims to contribute to the spreading of the culture of peace and instilling it in the spirits of the younger generation across the world. – TradeArabia News Service