HRH Premier calls for concerted international efforts to achieve SDGs

Manama, Sept. 28 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa has called on the International Community to join hands to achieve the goals of sustainable development 2030 (SDGs 2030), which are adopted by the United Nations. This can be achieved through an all-inclusive vision that contributes to accelerating the pace of development programmes in all countries, especially those in greatest need, into a reality that would be reflected in a more developed and stable life of the peoples and provide the foundations for progress in a world of challenges. In a message to the world marking the World Habitat Day, which is observed worldwide on Monday, October 1, under the theme “Municipal Solid Waste Management”, HRH the Prime Minister stressed that the focus on the issues of development, in all its forms, is imperative and must be given the highest priority in the international collective action system, as the best way to build a stable world and achieve the common benefits of all. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of learning lessons from the enormous losses and suffering created by conflicts and disputes experienced by the world, and of moving more resolutely towards cooperation in the fields of sustainable development so that Good and peace prevail and benefit all the peoples of the world. HRH Premier pointed out that the Kingdom of Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, has succeeded in consolidating its relations with various countries of the world and building bonds of friendship and cooperation that have fostered joint action in various aspects of sustainable development, noting that cooperation and partnership for a better future for the whole mankind is Bahrain’s message to the world. The Prime Minister affirmed that the Kingdom of Bahrain’s advanced strides in achieving SDGs 2030, as well as its achievement of the Millennium’s Development Goals, are a success story that reflects the determination of the people of Bahrain to reach the peak of achievement, whatever the challenges are. “The pillars of development in the Kingdom of Bahrain are based on modern and advanced foundations that make development a lifestyle that is shared by all, HRH Premier confirmed, pointing out that sustainable development goals are a high priority as the main pillar of the Government's Action Plan in the Kingdom, and are being translated into development projects in the areas of housing, health, education, environment preservation, among others. "We are determined to build upon the achievements of the Kingdom to enhance welfare levels and ensure the best possible means of living for the society, while recognising our responsibilities as an active partner in serving the noble objectives of the International Community in support of development efforts in the less developed communities’ he added. HRH Premier went on to express his appreciation of the efforts exerted by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT), which has contributed to enhancing international attention to development issues and consolidating the foundations of partnership to meet the challenges of development and the advancement of societies for the better. The Prime Minister pointed out that the objectives of environmental issues occupy a special place within the 17 objectives of sustainable development 2030, in order to reflect the growing importance they represent in maintaining quality and sustainability of life, stressing that environmental issues are urgent and require international cooperation and collective measures to ensure precautionary measures to protect humanity. The Premier pointed out that there is a great correlation between sustainable development and environmental preservation, and that the Kingdom of Bahrain, in its belief, approved a set of laws, legislation and strategies that provide the necessary mechanisms for preserving the environment, protecting the climate, reducing pollution, maintaining environmental and biological diversity and expanding renewable energy resources and others in accordance with a sustainable vision. HRH the Prime Minister stressed that Bahrain, in the context of its belief in the importance of international cooperation in the field of environmental protection, has ratified many international conventions in this field in light of its deep awareness of the importance of the environmental dimension, being essential to enhance civilisational and urban development. The Prime Minister explained that the Kingdom of Bahrain is working to consolidate the concept of "waste management" and to explore the modern methods of recycling waste in an environmentally friendly manner, using the latest technologies in this field and in safe ways, and to benefit from them as an added value that contributes to supporting the national economy. Concluding his message, HRH Premier praised the humanitarian mission of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) in supporting the efforts of states and societies in the field of urban development. The Prime Minister underlined the keenness of the Kingdom of Bahrain to strengthen cooperation with the United Nations and its specialised agencies in a manner that supports the efforts of the International Community in achieving the goals of sustainable development and contributes to the provision of global peace and security.