Derasat, UN-Habitat sign co-operation agreement

Bahrain Centre for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat) yesterday signed a contract with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) to prepare the Arab Cities Report 2020, in co-operation with the Regional Office of the United Nations Human Settlements Organisation. 

Derasat Chairman Dr Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa and Head of UN-Habitat Cairo, Irfan Ali, sealed the agreement in the presence of UNDP Resident Representative to Bahrain, Stefano Pettinato, and the UN Resident Co-ordinator to Bahrain Amin Al Sharkawi.  The Derasat Chairman said the report is the first official one on Arab cities since 2012, which would be launched at the 10th World Urban Forum in February 2020 in Abu Dhabi.  He added it would include data and the latest urban statistics related to Arab cities to come up with recommendations that benefit urban planning in Arab cities.

In addition, action plans, objectives and recommendations would be presented under the umbrella of the Sustainable Development Goals and the new urban plan.  The Derasat Chairman said the report would also be the first regional one that Bahrain takes part in preparing it through Derasat, which would prepare a research to assist companies to create sustainable job opportunities for the youth in Arab cities. 

He welcomed the UN-Habitat efforts that contribute to promoting international interest in development, noting its role in supporting countries and communities in the area of urban development.  He pointed out the comprehensive development achievements made, under the leadership of HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, based on quality and efficiency standards in line with the principles of sustainability, competitiveness and equity.  The UNDP Resident Representative welcomed collaboration with Derasat, saying the project would set new criteria for excellence.