Bahrain set to implement Sustainable Development Goals

Manama : A number ofsteps have been taken to ensure the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in Bahrain, said Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Undersecretary of International Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “The Kingdom will also introduce many initiatives to engage more youth in achieving these goals.” 

He was speaking during a press conference organised by the UN Information Centre to announce the progress of SDGs and to mark the UN Day in Bahrain. 

“While some countries see the rise in youth population as challenges, Bahrain realises it as an opportunity for future growth. Bahrain along with the UNDP is planning to introduce many initiatives such as Bahrain International Youth Award, SDGs Arab League Youth Ministerial Conference, and the World Youth Conference on SDGs to raise awareness among young people about sustainable development,” he said.

“The government provides various training and educational programmes designed to encourage and support the youth.” 

“Business entrepreneurs, who contributed in empowering the economic sector of the Kingdom will be acknowledged and awarded through the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation’s (UNIDO) 50th anniversary expo in November 2016,” he added.

UNIDO have chosen Bahrain’s model for entrepreneurs, which have been applied in cooperation with the Office of the UNIDO in Manama, in 48 countries around the world under the name of ‘Bahraini Model’.

“The government is committed to the new concept of “Whole Approach” of the SDGs 17 Goals in order to successfully achieve its aim,” said Dr. Shaikh Abdulla. 

He also added that the government has formed the National Commission for Informatics mandated to assist the government’s progress towards the SDGs. The committee, headed by Muhammed Al-Mutawaa Minister of Cabinet Affairs, is tasked with reporting and following up the procedures. 

Samir Imtair Aldarabi, Acting Director, United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) said, “Working in coordination with the UN system, we aim to reach out to the media and educational institutions, engage in partnerships with governments, private sector, and also maintain libraries and electronic information resources.” 

“Bahrain has both the means and opportunities to achieve the SDGs by 2030, and to support other countries to achieve theirs. Bahrain can overcome obstacles because it is a resilient nation, and its people are tolerant, generous and open-minded,” opined United Nations Resident Coordinator Amin El Sharkawi.

‘Bahrain’s CPD complements SGD goals’

Dr Shaikh Abdulla said that Bahrain Country Programme Document (CPD) 2017–2020 complements the SDGs. “In developing this document, the Kingdom has emphasised the importance of aligning the CPD outcomes with the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change negotiated at COP 21. 

CPD reflected the domestic needs of Bahrain and has acquired high-income status and an improved standard of living for citizens. The CPD placed Bahrain 45th in the  global UNDP Human Development report 2015.

“As a result, this CPD has received a different approach from our UNDP partners, by supporting the achievements of Bahrain’s projects. The two pillars chosen for the CPD are ensuring economic diversification and efficient social services, which are sustainable and promoting Bahraini institutions and programmes, which are effective, responsive and accountable in line with international standards and practices,” he said.