National Taskforce for Information and Population to be launched in Bahrain

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, yesterday issued Edict (56) of 2023, forming the National Taskforce for Information and Population, based on the proposal of the Cabinet Affairs Minister and following the approval of the Cabinet.

The edict stipulated the following:

Article (1)

The National Taskforce for Information and Population, shall be formed and referred to as the “Taskforce”, chaired by the Minister of Cabinet Affairs. Its members shall include representatives of the following entities: Minister of Sustainable Development, as deputy chairperson, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance and National Economy, Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, Ministry of Oil and Environment, Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, Ministry of Works, Ministry of Social Development, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments, Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Ministry of Youth Affairs, Prime Minister’s Office, Supreme Council for Women (SCW), Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA), Bahrain Economic Development Board, Electricity and Water Authority (EWA), Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB), Civil Service Bureau (CSB), and Survey and Land Registration Bureau (SLRB).

Members of the Taskforce will be announced in an edict by the Minister of Cabinet Affairs, based on nominations from each entity, provided that the representatives are no less than the rank of director.

A rapporteur shall be appointed for the Taskforce and will be assigned to prepare meetings, minutes, and track implementation of decisions.

Article (2)

In case of any vacancy in the Taskforce, a substitute shall be nominated from the same entity.

Article (3)

The Taskforce will monitor national indicators and information that reflect Bahrain’s status and performance in global reports in all economic and social sectors, as well as demographic statistics, in order to meet the following objectives: Proposals for national populations policies; assuring the accuracy and updating of all information and data related to national indicators and information, and sustainable development goals and their indicators, including programmes related to population, and setting necessary mechanisms for that; approving all information, national reports, and official data before they are provided to international organisations; ensuring the commitment of government agencies to updating all national information and statistics on sustainable development goals and their indicators, and any other indicators related to iGA’s database; ensuring the commitment of government agencies to updating all national information and statistics related to competitiveness reports of priority, and any other relevant indicators, in accordance with the Ministry of Finance and National Economy’s approved list; setting suitable procedures for the exchange of information between agencies; reviewing and evaluating database performance to improve the quality of information; analysing issues of citizens and challenges facing the population sector, and providing proposals to address them; integrating population issues as a determining factor in national policies and strategies; and collaborating with international and regional organisations dedicated to sustainable development and populations issues.

Article (4)

By invitation from its chairperson, the Taskforce should meet at least every three months at the time and place specified. The meeting stands if quorum is met. The Taskforce issues decisions and recommendations based on the majority of votes of present members. When the votes of the members of the meeting are even, the chairperson’s side shall prevail.

Article (5)

Subcommittees, including members of others, to follow up and study specific issues. The Taskforce may request the assistance of experts or specialists as deemed necessary, and may invite them to attend its meetings or meetings of the subcommittees in order to discuss and listen to their views.