Bahrain sets stage for greener future

TDT | Manama                                                    

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The Cabinet commended the launch of Bahrain’s National Energy Strategy, the $750 million climate technology fund, as well as the establishment of the “Safaa” platform to offset carbon emissions, as part of the Kingdom’s participation at the 28th United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), held in Dubai.

Chaired yesterday by the Deputy King, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Cabinet highlighted the importance of the speech given by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, at the event, wherein he announced the Blueprint Bahrain national action plan to achieve carbon neutrality.

The Cabinet praised the initiatives announced by the President of the UAE, His Highness Shaikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in his speech at COP28, which includes the establishment of a $30 billion fund for climate solutions worldwide, the UAE’s investment of $100 billion in financing climate action, renewable and clean energy, as well as its commitment to invest an additional $130 billion over the next seven years.

It congratulated HH Shaikh Mohamed bin Zayed on successfully hosting this important global event, wishing that the summit would bring qualitative results in mobilising international climate action.

Congratulations

The Cabinet congratulated the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on winning the bid to host the World Expo 2030, which reflects Saudi Arabia’s prestigious international status and its continuous achievements across all fields.

In this regard, the Cabinet wished Saudi Arabia continued success and prosperity. The Cabinet then expressed its sincere wishes for success in the 44th session of the Supreme Council of the GCC, which will be hosted by the State of Qatar, following a report submitted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs regarding topics of discussion for the meeting.

On the occasion of International Anti-Corruption Day, the Cabinet affirmed the importance of accountability and the adoption of initiatives that establish transparency in government work, noting in particular the efforts of the Ministry of Interior.

Boost for tourism

The Cabinet welcomed Exhibition World Bahrain winning the “World’s Leading New Exhibition and Convention Centre 2023” award at the esteemed World Travel Awards. The Cabinet affirmed the continued implementation of plans and programmes to enhance Bahrain’s position in organising international tourist exhibitions and conferences.

It commended the role of the Ministry of Tourism and all relevant parties in the accomplishments and excellence achieved by the Exhibition World Bahrain. The Cabinet then followed up on the procedures implemented as part of the National Health Regulatory Authority’s authorisation of the use of CASGEVY (exagamglogene autotemcel) for the treatment of patients with sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia.

In this regard, the Cabinet reaffirmed Bahrain’s commitment to pioneering healthcare solutions and enhancing its people’s health and well-being to provide the best healthcare possible. The Cabinet discussed and approved several memorandums during the meeting.

The Cabinet yesterday discussed several memorandums during the meeting, approving the following:

1. A memorandum submitted by the Minister of Interior regarding procedures to follow up on Bahrain’s commitment to the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) recommendations in preparation for the submission of the Fifth Enhanced Follow-Up Report to provide progress updates on the Kingdom of Bahrain’s commitment to international standards and recommendations contained in the 2018 mutual evaluation report.

2. A memorandum submitted by the Ministerial Committee for Legal and Legislative Affairs regarding a draft decision on regulating navigation permits for visiting ships in Bahraini waters for excursions, maintenance, refuelling, or exhibition participation.

3. A memorandum submitted by the Ministerial Committee for Legal and Legislative Affairs on a proposal to amend the draft decision to reconstitute the National Committee for Childhood.

4. A memorandum submitted by the Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture on the oversight and mechanisms of communal housing, which aims to control the process of using real estate for communal housing in a way that ensures safety and health for its users.

5. A memorandum submitted by the Minister of Electricity and Water Affairs on the “Kafaa” programme, which aims to reduce electricity consumption and carbon emissions in buildings in the public and private sectors, which will be implemented on 20 government buildings.

The Cabinet reviewed the following:

1. A memorandum submitted by the Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture regarding the latest developments in Bahrain’s 2023 National Afforestation Plan, which is in line with Bahrain’s commitments to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to reduce carbon emissions and reach carbon neutrality by 2060.

2. A memorandum submitted by the Minister of Electricity and Water Affairs on the latest developments in renewable energy projects. In addition, the Cabinet noted the following ministerial reports:

1. Bahrain’s participation in the ministerial session on agriculture and food security at COP28

2. Outcomes of Bahrain’s participation in the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) General Assembly meeting in the United Kingdom

3. Outcomes of Bahrain’s participation in Health Day and the first climate-health ministerial at COP28.