Top priority for improving public service, environment: Shaikh Ali

Manama : Enhancing public services and environmental protection is central to improving citizens’ living standards, said Deputy Prime Minister, HH Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa yesterday. 

Speaking during a workshop held to develop policies and initiatives for the upcoming Government Action Plan (2019 - 2022), Shaikh Ali said, “Citizens remain at the heart of the Kingdom’s sustainable development efforts, which continue to drive excellence across various areas and sectors.”

Ten key policies and initiatives focusing on Public services and environmental protection were introduced yesterday for inclusion in the upcoming Government Action Plan (2019 - 2022) during the meeting held at the Isa Cultural Centre. 

“The workshop reflects the keenness of the Bahraini leaders to ensure a prosperous future for Bahrain’s citizens,” Shaikh Ali said adding that the meeting played an instrumental role in identifying policies aimed at improving the quality of public services and increasing efficiency across government.

The move also falls in line with the directives of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister to lead a series of workshops to identify key objectives for the upcoming Government Action Plan. 

Minister of Health, Faiqa bint Saeed Al Saleh, outlined six policies on improving public services saying, “These policies will drive the implementation of 24 initiatives that aim to increase competitiveness, Improve overall quality of public services including education, healthcare, housing and the labour market, Enhance social services, welfare and social empowerment.”

Four polices aimed at supporting the delivery of efficient environmental regulations and strengthening the long-term protection of biodiversity and fishery sustainability were suggested by the CEO of the Supreme Council for Environment, Dr Mohammed bin Daina. The CEO added that 16 initiatives will be launched under these policy areas.

The final workshop covering key objectives for the upcoming Government Action Plan (2019 - 2022) will be held later this month under the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister, HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa.

The 2017 Government Forum was held in October last year under the patronage of HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, and through the initiative of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. The Forum outlined the government’s progress in implementing initiatives and programmes within the current Government Action Plan (2015 – 2018).