HRH Premier’s Award for Sustainable Development granted to Anna Tibaijuka

New York, Sep. 24 (BNA): The “His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa Award for Sustainable Development” has been granted to Mrs. Anna Kajumulo Tibaijuka, the former Minister of Lands, Housing and Human Settlements, Tanzania, former UN- Under Secretary-General of the United Nations and Former Executive Director, UN-Habitat & Director – General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi, during a grand ceremony held at the UN Headquarters here last night on the sidelines of the 71st UN General Assembly (UNGA) session. President of the current UNGA session, Peter Thomson, Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Abu Al-Gheit, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Helen Clark, HRH Princess Basma bint Saud bint Abdulaziz Al Saud attended the ceremony. Scores of ministers, diplomats, representatives of Arab and foreign countries to the UN, senior UN officials, journalists and media persons were also present. On the occasion, His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa congratulated Mrs. Anna Kajumulo Tibaijuka for being the recipient of the Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa Award for Sustainable Development, in recognition of her contributions in supporting sustainable development efforts in many countries of the world. He emphasized that Ms. Tibaijuka is highly respected at an international level for her efforts to strengthen cooperation frameworks that serve urban and sustainable development objectives; as well as her imprints to establish the foundations of a common collective action to achieve noble humanitarian goals. He expressed appreciation to professor Tibaijuka for her continuous and constructive cooperation. Such collaboration said His Royal Highness has contributed to the relationship between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Nations resulting in accomplishing many outstanding achievements. He pointed out that the Award was focused on the support of individual and collective initiatives in terms of sustainable development, particularly in developing countries, and was won by projects from Burkina Faso and Brazil, which had been able to achieve best practices. His Royal Highness said he was delighted that the Award has been able to attain its objectives in supporting the efforts of individuals, institutions and motivate them towards innovative solutions and projects. His Royal Highness the Prime Minister of Bahrain, stressed that the prevailing conflicts and lack of security in many parts of the world have resulted in widespread death and destruction, forcing hundreds of thousands of civilians to flee their homes and causing a dire need for emergency humanitarian assistance. He called on the international community to take necessary measures to redress the damage to alleviate the suffering of innocent civilians. "The world has to consider a new approach in terms of addressing the future of these peoples to help them overcome the impact of misfortunes and hardship. Economic recovery is essential in order for them to rise again," said the Prime Minister. "The international community must assume responsibility to confront tragic situations that undermine efforts aimed at implementing security and peace. Every one of us has to assist these countries to return to normalcy and achieve economic recovery and urban development." He called upon the international community to challenge the causes of these wars and conflicts to re-establish security and prosperity in which people may enjoy the benefits of sustainable development. His Royal Highness the Prime Minister stressed that sustainable development would strengthen the capacities of countries in facing challenges, particularly terrorism. He said it is essential that the international community intensifies its efforts to improve living conditions as well as find solutions to direct energies towards productivity. He pointed out that the Kingdom of Bahrain, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain, had taken significant steps to prepare the ground for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This is being done through an integrated vision of development, which focused on housing, educational and health with the highest level of well being of citizens as top priority. He stressed that the Kingdom of Bahrain is keen to continue the implementation of plans that will ensure the achievement of the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This is being done based on the progress it has made in achieving the Millennium Development Goals as acknowledged by regional and international organizations. He emphasized the Kingdom of Bahrain’s interest in consolidating partnership with international organizations and agencies related to sustainable development. This interest, His Royal Highness said comes out of the belief in the importance of international cooperation in achieving security and stability to meet the aspirations of the peoples for development and prosperity. During the ceremony, Foreign Affairs Minister, Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa delivered a speech in which he expressed the People of Bahrain’s pride in the leadership, and in the commitment of the government, led by HRH the Prime Minister, to implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), stressing that the Government of Bahrain had successfully achieved the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and paved the way for an effective implementation of SDGs. He pointed out that the “HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa Award for Sustainable Development” reflected HRH Premier’s appreciation of the efforts being exerted by individuals, organisations and institutions in the field of development, and his keenness on enhancing international cooperation, exchange of expertise and experiences among countries in this regard. He noted that Bahrain had ranked high in the UN Human Development Index for achieving very high rates at the level of human development as it posted a 5 % growth rate over the past five years. The minister highlighted Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka’s rich record and significant contributions to consolidating international cooperation in sustainable urban development, and the tremendous efforts she had exerted, as UN-Habitat Executive Director, to improve the conditions of the poor in urban areas across the world. Then, the 71st UNGA session President and Fiji's UN Ambassador, Peter Thomson, extended congratulations to HRH the Prime Minister for the success of his “creative” initiative to establish his award for sustainable development at a time world countries are seeking to include SDGs in their national plans. In his statement, Peter Thomson, stressed the importance of the Award in raising awareness on the need to achieve SDGs. He also congratulated Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka for winning the prestigious award, calling on her to use her experience and contribute to the implementation of SDGs. After that, Housing Minister, Bassim bin Yaqoob Al-Hamar, delivered a statement in which he asserted that the “HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa” had provided an opportunity to bring the ideas of those who embody the ideals and principles of decent living and sustainable development into light, and affirm anew that progress is possible. Soon after he had become a Prime Minister, HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman laid the basis for a modern state, a vibrant economy and a sustainable future for his country, he said, noting that the Prime Minister had received a number of international awards, including the Scroll of Honour Award in Urban Development and Housing in 2007, the Millennium Development Goals Award in 2010, the UNESCO Prize for the Promotion of Education, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)’s "Information and Communication Technology in Sustainable Development Award", and the UNESCO Avicenna Award, among others, in recognition of his milestone achievements. He pointed out that Bahrain had made quantum leaps in achieving sustainable social and economic development, adding that such achievements have contributed positively to achieving the well-being of the citizens in the fields of health, education and many others. He also affirmed that the MDGs had been attained and exceeded in many regions in the kingdom. The Housing Minister noted that the Government Action Plan (GAP) for 2015-2018 embodied the government’s focus on strategic priorities in order to bring about sustainable positive changes and development. GAP is based on the principles of sustainability, transparency, justice and competitiveness, and reflects the government’s focus on achieving SDGs, therefore, it invests Bahrain’s resources and potentials in meeting the needs of all citizens, he said. The minister explained that the Kingdom of Bahrain had succeeded in providing housing for the citizens at reasonable and affordable prices, which, he said, is an accomplishment that is attained by only a few countries in the world. He indicated that the kingdom had delivered a great number of housing services to the citizens, particularly low-income ones, explaining that over the past four decades, the government had spent BD 3.1 billion to finance the building and the provision of more than 109,000 housing units from which 65% of the citizens had benefitted. After that, on behalf of HRH the Prime Minister, Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, with the participation of Housing Minister and Shaikh Hussam bin Isa Al Khalifa, conferred the “His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa Award for Sustainable Development” on Mrs. Anna Kajumulo Tibaijuka, and wished her further success. Then Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka, made a speech in which she extended sincerest thanks and appreciation to HRH the Prime Minister for granting her the prestigious Award. “I thank HRH the Prime Minister deeply, and accept this Award with utmost gratitude, on behalf of all those who had worked with me for the sake achieving this accomplishment,” the Award laureate said, emphasising that sustainable development will be achieved by leaders who are committed to the global sustainable development agenda, like HRH the Prime Minister. She stressed that human solidarity and friendship are essential, at all levels and in countries, for achieving peace and prosperity, noting that the Award is a symbol of commitment to achieving and implementing the goals set by the International Community for itself. She also affirmed that the Award showed clearly and seriously the importance of the sustainable development agenda. Despite huge challenges, achieving SDGs is not a difficult task under a committed leadership with a clear vision and a people like that of Bahrain, she said, adding that the Award will motivate her to continue her efforts and work. During the ceremony, Shaikh Hussam bin Isa Al Khalifa conveyed greetings from HRH the Prime Minister to Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka and congratulations for her on winning the Award in recognition of her achievements while assuming top UN posts, as well as for her efforts to push sustainable development efforts forward, across the world, and in her country as a minister and member of parliament. “HRH Premier strongly believes that the leader is responsible for ensuring the security, stability, and taking into account the interests of their country and citizens. HRH the Prime Minister has dedicated his life to this noble issue, and has gained remarkable regional and global recognition for that,” he said. “We have learnt, and we learn every day the true meaning of ‘leadership’ from HRH Premier, and he is a wise leader who has dedicated himself and his life for the sake of preserving Bahrain and maintaining the cohesion of its people. From this perspective, the Prime Minister launched his award to support and appreciate those who are dedicated in serving their nations,” he added. A documentary film on Bahrain’s development achievements, as well as the international awards bestowed on HRH Premier by the UN and other international organisations, and his strenuous efforts for sake of Bahrain’s progress and prosperity, was screened. A photo gallery was held and a book on Bahrain’s achievements and the progress boom it is currently witnessing was distributed.