Youth Voice Program

The Youth Voice Program is an enrichment program that engages young people from various regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in seminars, training sessions, and dialogue meetings based on communication, persuasion, and critical thinking skills. It was launched by the Mohammed Bin Salman Foundation "Misk" in 2021, and it is one of the tracks under "Misk Community."

The Misk Foundation launched the first edition of the Youth Voice Program in collaboration with the Emirate of Jazan Province, the Emirate of the Eastern Province, and the Emirate of al-Jawf Province.

The program began in al-Jawf Province on July 28, 2021, followed by Jazan Province on August 9, 2021, and then in al-Ahsa Governorate on September 2, 2021.

The Youth Voice Program in its first edition aimed to provide effective channels for communication and discussion, engaging Saudi youth from various provinces of the Kingdom in community development. It empowered them to present ideas and solutions to address the challenges they face, offering opportunities for them to influence and interact with their communities. The program also focused on developing their skills, mastering purposeful communication, boosting self-confidence, and enhancing their cognitive, intellectual, and dialogue abilities when presenting personal ideas and opinions. Additionally, it aimed to contribute to addressing societal issues and offering solutions, fostering a sense of citizenship, and supporting the achievement of sustainable development goals.

Participants in the 2021 Youth Voice Program first joined a virtual training course on communication and persuasion skills. They then moved on to the first stage, which involved practical training on dialogue techniques with a group of supervisors and participants. This was followed by the second stage, which focused on hands-on training with a group of those who advanced from the previous stage. In the final stage, participants trained in communication, public speaking, and presentation skills in preparation for meeting decision-makers.

The application for the first edition of the Youth Voice Program in 2021 required specific criteria: the applicant had to be between fifteen and thirty-five years old, in addition to having proficiency in the Arabic language—reading, writing, and speaking.

The second edition of the Youth Voice Program was launched on August 15, 2022, with the application open for four months through the Misk Foundation's website.

This edition included several stages. The first was an online training program aimed at developing young people's skills. After being shortlisted, participants moved on to the first stage, which involved online training using educational videos on the basics of debate, dialogue, and critical thinking. These videos were accompanied by interactive questions and a knowledge test that allowed participants to earn a certificate of completion for this stage.

Participants then advanced to the third stage, which included virtual training sessions and the application of what they had learned about debate and critical thinking. Afterward, they moved on to the fourth stage, which involved elimination rounds and preparation for the final debate. This stage focused on in-person debate training and forming teams to prepare for the final competition in front of a judging panel. In the final and fourth stage, participants showcased what they had learned before decision-makers and the audience through a scientific debate judged by a panel of experienced experts.

Registration for the third edition of the Youth Voice Program in 2022 was open from January 1, 2023, until December 29, 2023, lasting approximately two months.

The program consisted of three stages. The first stage, self-learning, was available throughout the year and allowed participants to complete it virtually, covering dialogue fundamentals, communication, argument building, and critical thinking. In the second stage, participants were empowered in the art of debate, preparing as two teams for the final competition, where they debated in front of decision-makers and discussed youth issues in the non-profit sector. This stage was conducted in person across various regions of the Kingdom. In the third and final stage, participants designed and launched a national community campaign through intensive workshops, guided by specialists and experts, to create positive change in their communities.

The fourth edition of the program was launched on January 29, 2024, and it included four stages spread over two months. The stages were: the first stage, online training conducted remotely; the second stage, debates held in audio rooms remotely; the third stage, elimination rounds and preparation for the final debate, conducted in person; and the fourth stage, which was dedicated to the final debate held on stage.