RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has introduced a new policy aiming to empower youth participation in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals, the ministry said in a statement on Sunday.

The General Policy for Youth Development seeks to amplify the involvement of youth in the workforce across government institutions, the private sector and nonprofit organizations.

It aims to not only empower Saudi youth to be pioneers within the Kingdom, but also to become problem solvers and innovators on a global scale, the ministry added.

The policy hopes to become an empowering guideline by providing youth with tools and building blocks that will help create a long-term and sustainable environment in the Kingdom for youth to thrive.

The General Policy for Youth Development focuses on five main areas of growth and youth involvement: economic empowerment, community participation, extending education and lifelong learning, health and wellbeing and national identity and religious values.

According to the ministry, all of these objectives are tackled by the policy as it aims to reduce legislative gaps, address youth-related issues and financially empower youth-led initiatives.

For example, some of the objectives highlighted by the policy emphasize digital safety, protection from discrimination and violence, equal opportunities between the two genders, and empowering youth with disabilities.

Prior to establishing the policy, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development conducted in-depth research in youth preparation programs by examining the policies of 20 leading countries in the field, backed by the ministry’s organizing of over 34 workshops with stakeholders.

In the ministry’s pursuit of research, it also held meetings with both local and foreign experts in carrying out surveys that have targeted more than 11,000 young men and women across the Kingdom.

In 2024, the Youth Development Strategy was launched; which was developed with the support of over 30 government and private entities — a milestone that encompasses the Kingdom’s dedication to supporting its youth in diverse ecosystems.

The General Policy for Youth Development is another step forward in making the Kingdom a hub for youth enrichment, as 69.4 percent of the population is under 35 years of age and 35.9 percent of the population are aged 15 to 34.

 The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development quoted in its policy document King Salman speaking about the importance of empowering the youth: “You are the nation’s investment in the future.”