Statement by United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bahrain, Mr. Khaled Al Mekwad, on United Nations Day

On United Nations Day, which commemorates the entry into force of the United Nations Charter 78 years ago today, we need to reflect on how peoples came together in the wake of World War II to establish this unique organization, as well as the principles of the Charter that have guided the work of the organization.

As stated by the United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Antonio Guterres, the United Nations is a reflection of the world as it is – and an aspiration of the world we know it can be. Hence, United Nations Day is a reminder of our shared destiny and responsibility of scaling up our collective efforts as one humanity towards achieving peace, security, sustainable development, and human rights for all, where no one is left behind.

And amid the tragic circumstances unfolding in the Middle East, the United Nations continues against all odds to keep the flame of hope alive at all levels, sparing no effort in reminding all parties of their obligations under International Humanitarian Law and calling for a humanitarian ceasefire. Furthermore, UN Staff have been working around the clock on the ground and risking their lives to alleviate human suffering in Gaza and deliver much-needed, life-saving humanitarian assistance to the populations in need.

For the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in Bahrain, UN Day is also an opportunity to reflect on the longstanding partnership with the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The recent months have been marked by a series of high-level engagements of Bahrain with the United Nations, including the Universal Periodic Review of Bahrain, the submission of Bahrain’s Voluntary National Review and the High-Level Week of the United Nations General Assembly.

The United Nations in Bahrain is proud of having contributed to the results showcased and commitments made by the Kingdom on these occasions and having secured such a high level of engagement.

Through the Strategic Cooperation Framework (SCF), the UNCT in Bahrain has worked closely with the Government to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Bahrain and remains engaged in formulating a new SCF for 2025-2029 through leveraging its collective expertise to support the people of Bahrain in achieving the SDGs and their national development aspirations, in line with Bahrain’s Vision 2030.