Bahrain chairs 42nd GCC Senior Municipal Officials meeting

Manama, Sep. 7 (BNA): As part of Bahrain’s presidency of the 46th session of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Shaikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Undersecretary for Municipalities at the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, chaired the remote 42nd meeting of the GCC Committee of Senior Municipal Officials.

Shaikh Mohammed bin Ahmed importance of continuing to strengthen Gulf cooperation and coordination in the municipal sector and building on joint efforts to develop municipal work in GCC countries, while supporting integration and the exchange of expertise and experiences in related domains.

Shaikh Mohammed bin Ahmed highlighted the importance of continuing to develop common legislative and regulatory frameworks, enhancing coordination in urban planning and the urban environment, and benefiting from successful municipal practices and experiences to support the development of municipal systems and keep pace with future changes and challenges. 

The meeting’s agenda included several key strategic topics, notably the urban environment, the GCC Building Code, the development of legislation and municipal oversight mechanisms, strategic urban planning, and the GCC Joint Municipal Work Plan for 2024-2030, as well as smart city initiatives, municipal sustainability, and the exchange of expertise and experiences among member states.

The meeting also discussed proposals and initiatives aimed at strengthening the exchange of expertise, experiences and information among GCC countries, developing cooperation with specialised organisations, highlighting GCC municipal work at regional and international events, and the outcomes of the GCC Joint Municipal Work Plan.