MANAMA : Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) youth and sports ministers approved a Qatar-led Youth Creativity Award in the World of Data as a joint Gulf initiative at their 39th meeting in Manama on Wednesday.
Qatar was represented at the meeting by Yasser bin Abdullah Al Jamal, undersecretary at the Ministry of Sports and Youth.
The ministers welcomed Qatar’s initiative to launch the award and cover the costs associated with its organisation and recognition ceremony. They said the initiative had encouraged young people across the Gulf to participate in data-related innovation.
The meeting agreed to include the award in the GCC’s joint action plan and organise it regularly. Participants also backed expanding its scope to cover emerging technologies, particularly generative artificial intelligence and cybersecurity related to data.
Ministers also discussed the Future Action Plan of the GCC Committee of Ministers of Youth and Sports for 2025-2030, as well as executive plans for its implementation.
The meeting reviewed recommendations from technical committees and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation with the private sector, alongside opportunities for wider coordination among GCC states.
Participants also considered strategic dialogue with countries and regional and international organisations involved in youth affairs.
The ministers reviewed recommendations from the 42nd preparatory meeting of GCC youth and sports ministry undersecretaries, held virtually, approving a number of proposals aimed at strengthening joint youth programmes and coordination among the six GCC states.
