UN collaboration key to SDG, peace, security: Bahrain

Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, the Undersecretary of Political Affairs at the Ministry, emphasised that under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Bahrain is actively advancing the SDGs across its economic, social, and environmental spheres.

In his opening speech, Dr. Shaikh Abdullah underscored the criticality of this collaboration in strengthening regional and global peace and security. Appreciating Bahrain’s efforts at the launch ceremony, held at the ministry's headquarters, were members of the diplomatic corps, heads of United Nations offices based in Manama, senior officials, and representatives from relevant ministries and government entities.

The report comprehensively evaluates Bahrain's progress in achieving the 17th sustainable development goal, which focuses on strengthening the means of implementation and revitalising the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development between 2015 and 2022.

It also highlights the implementation of the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, signed with United Nations agencies, in alignment with the government's programme, the National Plan for Human Rights, and the 2030 Economic Vision of Bahrain.

Dr. Shaikh Abdullah noted that Bahrain's success in this regard positions it as a global model for promoting a culture of peace and respect for human rights. He highlighted significant initiatives such as the Bahrain Declaration on Religious Freedom, the establishment of the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence, the humanitarian efforts of the Bahraini Red Crescent in providing development and relief aid, the Manama Dialogue Summit for regional security, and Bahrain's commendable response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Furthermore, Dr. Shaikh Abdullah affirmed that Bahrain will persist in its endeavours to foster regional and international partnerships to achieve sustainable development goals in a systematic manner. He also pledged to operationalize the 274 memoranda of understanding signed between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and international ministries and organisations between 2015 and 2022.