A special publication issued by the SWYAA Global Assembly - Bahrain 2012 • 4th - 8th October 2012 Opening Ceremony th 6 Global Assembly Bahrain had the privilege of hosting the 6th global assembly of the Ship for World Youth Alumni Association (SWYAA) 2012, which was organ- ized by the General Organization for Youth and Sports (GOYS) in cooper- ation with the SWYAA Bahrain. It was held under the patronage of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS) President Shaikh Nass- er bin Hamad Al Khalifa and it took place from 4th to the 8th of October with more than 120 participants from all over the globe. First day marked the opening cer- emony which was held at Arad Fort, and it was also attended by SCYS First Deputy Chairman Shaikh Kha- Bahrain›s ancient civilizations and lid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Japanese for entrusting Bahrain to host this in- history. Ambassador Shigeki Sumi, Social De- ternational event. velopment Minister Dr Fatima Al Ba- He described the assembly as a loushi and other leading figures. unique opportunity that brings youth GOYS President Hisham Al Jowder presented Shaikh Nasser and Shaikh Shaikh Nasser inaugurated the as- from all over the world together and Khalid bin Hamad Al-Khalifa with a sembly and he addressed the au- fosters the values of cooperation, un- gift of a dove model that represents dience by emphasizing the impor- derstanding, intercultural dialogue peace. tance of such programs in promoting and tolerance between people. Bahrain youth and developing their The day also included taking the par- leadership skills which can allow Japanese Ambassador Shigeki Sumi ticipants to the Bahrain National Mu- them in building more bridges with thanked the government and the seum and a party that celebrated their peers around the world. people of Bahrain for hosting SWYAA the traditional heritage. 2012 while praising the strong bilat- He also appreciated the Japanese The following days included visits to eral relations and he thanked Shaikh Government initiative in founding several historic and iconic locations Nasser for patronizing the ceremony. such programs that have benefited in Bahrain and several communal The ceremony also featured a a lot of youth, and he was thankful activities. documentary film which highlights 2 3 Choosing the Kingdom of Bahrain and opinions towards various issues to embrace this global gathering that concern youth. comes to confirm and the great One of the main objectives of the reputation of Bahrain at the global program is to promote the country level in the field of youth, gained by host in all respects. Therefore, the continued participation in the Ship for General Organization for Youth and World Youth Assembly confirming the Sports has prepared a program for prominent role of the Bahraini youth in all participants in the assembly to this program. visit historical places in the Kingdom We are grateful to the Japanese as well as visiting landmark places government for adopting the idea that stand out comprehensive of this assembly and choosing development witnessed by the Bahrain to host this edition event, Kingdom in various sectors. which has significant benefits in The assembly comprised seminars terms of deepening the bonds highlighting the experiences of the of convergence and mutual participating countries towards Hisham Al Jowder understanding among young people the youth as well as the positive Goys President of the world and to highlight the effects that were gained from this civilizational achievements of their participation. countries besides exchanging ideas Bahrain has proven to be on top of people from different cultures and youth activities and that it contrib- exchange valuable expertise with utes in a lot of the global programs them. which are dedicated to develop the We are glad that Bahrain got the skills of the youth, and the country honor of hosting this year›s SWYAA has taken the initiative to make sure which will help many delegates from that Bahraini young people partici- around the world to be exposed to pates in such activities. our heritage and accomplishments. Programs like the SWY help in en- riching the experience of the youth who will take a major role in forming Bahrain›s future as it provides them Eman Janahi with the opportunity of meeting new Director of Youth Affairs At the end of the ceremony, organ- Final Ceremony izer and volunteers have been hon- A ceremony has been organised to The ceremony started at 7.30pm with oured and a group picture of the par- conclude the 6th global assembly of MCs Zahwa Al Hiddi and Ahmed Za- ticipants was taken. the ship for World Youth Alumni Asso- inal who welcomed the crowds and The delegates appreciated the hospi- ciation (SWYAA) 2012. appreciated their participation. tality of Bahrain and they pointed out It was attended by GOYS Youth Affairs Eman Al Banna, SWY member gave out how useful this experience was. Director, Eman Janahi and Shayma Al a speech representing the association. Oraifi, commitee Vice Chairman. 4 5 Zahwa Al Hiddi Nadia Al Meraisi Food and Accommodation Committee Member Committee Head I am glad that Bahrain was I was responsible of food and Shayma Al Oraifi chosen to host such a great accommodation. I was very event and we have tried our Committee Vice Chairman happy that I was able to pro- best to provide and care for vide the Gulf Hotel as an ac- every single detail. commodation for the delegates, because the grins The executive committee was divided into different beaming on their faces showed how happy they are It is such an honor for us to host the SWYAA 6th Global the globe which really reflects in the future of these del- sub-committees which worked hard to give the right with the hotel. I had problems with the food because Assembly here in Bahrain after 15 successful productive egates and the youth future in their countries. Each del- image of our country. years of participation in the ship program and over 100 egate will be lucky enough to represent their own coun- I needed to choose places that have the capacity Bahraini participants. try and help developing projects in their home country. to accommodate over 120 delegates and would provide food that is suitable for all cultures. The General Organization for Youth and Sports (GOYS) We believe hosting this event in cooperation with the has been supporting the Bahraini SWY Alumni Associa- Bahraini SWY Alumni Association as a great opportunity I attended two GAs the one in Egypt and Mexico. This tion since their first trip with SWY10 in 1998, and this is to revitalize the SWY experience for the ex-PY’s and re- gave me an experience and an idea of how things all because of GOYS’ belief in the true value and im- engage them voluntary activities, and above all of that work. I believe that the SWY program is a once in a portance of the program’s objectives, benefits and the a great opportunity to showcase the rich Bahraini his- life time opportunity and that every person should strong effect it has on the participants’ personal, social tory, civilization, achievements and unique culture. attend it. I myself have changed a lot, developed many skills and learned a lot about other cultures. I and professional lives. We are really proud of hosting such a global event Budoor Kamal wanted to join SWY since I was 16, and got rejected The program has helped many delegates to devel- which takes part in fulfilling GOYS mission of supporting Giveaway Committee Head in my first attempt, however I didn’t let that stand in op their skills and personalities, and it gave them the the Youth. my way and I applied for SWY20 and got accepted. chance to meet other members from countries all over My committee was responsi- ble was to provide all the lo- gistics of the group by provid- ing t-shirts that carry the logos of GOYS and SWYAA Bahrain and the 6th Global Assembly, and we also provided other things like stationary and bags. I am very happy to be part of making the delegation Eman Al Banna members happy, and it is a way to show the whole Programme Committee Head world how welcoming Bahrain is. I was responsible of choosing the Layla Al Balushi places that the members will vis- Amal Al Binali Media Committee Head it during their stay in Bahrain. To meet the objectives of the con- Admin Head ference, the places needed to explain the culture of Bahrain that is why they were I am responsible for delegate services and trans- My job is to communicate with the media and illus- taken to the national museum, oil museum, Halwa (a portations. I needed to make a reception for del- Ahmed Abdulatif trate what we are doing during the SWYAA 2012 to traditional sweet) factory, and other places. More- egates both in the airport and hotel and make sure the whole world. Treasury Head over, they were taken to Al Fateh Grand Mosque to have their departure dates. I am responsible for We take pictures of the delegation visits and activi- and Beit Al Quran to showcase the country’s religion creating schedules, dividing them into groups and ties and then collate these shots and give them to which is Islam and give the members an idea behind transport them between activities. Leaders and the members as a way to remember these beautiful the purpose of Islam and its mentality. assistant leaders were given to each group to fa- Our main goal is to manage moments they experienced during their trip.