Government officials hold workshop on public services and environmental protection

Manama, Mar. 4 (BNA): Government officials today held a workshop focused on public services and enhancing environmental protection. The meeting was led by Deputy Prime Minister, HH Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, and saw the introduction of ten key policies and 40 initiatives. The meeting, which took place at the Isa Cultural Centre, follows the 2017 Government Forum, during which HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, directed government officials to lead a series of workshops to identify key objectives for the upcoming Government Action Plan (2019 - 2022). A series of coordination meetings were held to inform today’s workshop covering key priority areas for the upcoming Government Action Plan (2019 – 2022). This included two coordination meetings held last week on public services and environmental protection. Commenting on the outcomes of the workshop, HH the Deputy Prime Minister highlighted that enhancing public services and environmental protection is central to improving citizens’ living standards. HH the Deputy Prime Minister added that citizens remain at the heart of the Kingdom’s sustainable development efforts, which continue to drive excellence across various areas and sectors. HH the Deputy Prime Minister, highlighted that the workshop reflects the commitment of HM King Hamad, HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, and HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, to ensuring a prosperous future for Bahrain’s citizens. HH the Deputy Prime Minister extended thanks to all those who participated in the coordination meetings, which he said have played an instrumental role in identifying policies aimed at improving the quality of public services and increasing efficiency across government. During the workshop, the Minister of Health, HE Faiqa bint Saeed Al Saleh, outlined six policies identified during the coordination meeting on the improvement of public services. HE the Minister added that these policies will drive the implementation of 24 initiatives that aim to: Increase competitiveness Improve overall quality of public services including education, healthcare, housing and the labour market Enhance social services, welfare and social empowerment The CEO of the Supreme Council for Environment, Dr Mohammed bin Daina, also highlighted four policies aimed at supporting the delivery of efficient environmental regulations and strengthening the long-term protection of biodiversity and fishery sustainability. The CEO added that 16 initiatives will be launched under these policy areas. The final workshop covering key objectives for the upcoming Government Action Plan (2019 - 2022) is due to take place in March under the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister, HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa. The 2017 Government Forum was held in October last year under the patronage of HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, and through the initiative of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. The Forum outlined the government’s progress in implementing initiatives and programmes within the current Government Action Plan (2015 – 2018).