Sustainable progress to help face terror: PM

New York : Taking up the cudgels for people in war-torn nations, Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa said sustainable development would strengthen the capacities of countries in facing challenges, particularly terrorism.

HRH Premier stressed that the prevailing conflicts and lack of security in many parts of the world have resulted in widespread destruction, forcing hundreds of thousands of civilians to flee their homes.

Prince Khalifa made the remarks on the occasion of presenting “His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa Award for Sustainable Development” to Mrs. Anna Kajumulo Tibaijuka, the former Minister of Lands, Housing and Human Settlements, Tanzania, here yesterday.

The Premier called on the international community to take necessary measures to redress the damage to ease the sufferings of innocent civilians. 

He said it is essential that the international community intensifies its efforts to improve living conditions as well as find solutions to direct energies towards productivity.

“The world has to consider a new approach in terms of addressing the future of these people to help them overcome the impact of misfortunes and hardship. Economic recovery is essential in order for them to rise again,” said the Prime Minister.

“The international community must assume responsibility to confront tragic situations that undermine efforts aimed at implementing security and peace. Every one of us has to assist these countries to return to normalcy and achieve economic recovery and urban development,” he remarked.

HRH the Prime Minister called upon the international community to challenge the causes of these wars and conflicts to re-establish security and prosperity in which people may enjoy the benefits of sustainable development.

He pointed out that the Kingdom of Bahrain had taken significant steps to prepare the ground for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. “This is being done through an integrated vision of development, which focused on housing, educational and health with the highest level of well being of citizens as top priority.” 

The Premier said Bahrain is keen to continue the implementation of plans that will ensure the achievement of the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. 

“This is being done based on the progress it has made in achieving the Millennium Development Goals as acknowledged by regional and international organizations,” he commented.

Prince Khalifa also noted the Kingdom’s interest in consolidating partnership with international organisations and agencies related to sustainable development. “This interest comes out of the belief in the importance of international cooperation in achieving security and stability,” HRH Premier added.

Meanwhile, Tibaijuka said: “I thank HRH the Prime Minister deeply, and accept this award with utmost gratitude, on behalf of all those who had worked with me for the sake achieving this accomplishment.” “Sustainable development will be achieved by leaders who are committed to the global sustainable development agenda, like HRH the Prime Minister.”

She stressed that human solidarity and friendship are essential for achieving peace and prosperity, noting that the award is a symbol of commitment to achieving and implementing the goals set by the International Community for itself.