Resident Coordinator's Speech Launch of "Buthoor Al-Bahrain Campaign" 1 Oct 2024

Excellency Engineer Wael bin Nasser Al-Mubarak, Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture,

Excellencies, esteemed guests,

Ladies and gentlemen,

One of the most pressing challenges of our time is the rapid urbanization of our planet. 

Over half of the global population currently lives in urban areas, a rate projected to reach 70 percent by 2050. 

This unprecedented urban growth presents opportunities and challenges, particularly in our quest to build greener, more sustainable cities.

The United Nations has long recognized the importance of sustainable urban development.  

This commitment is enshrined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including Sustainable Development Goal 11, which aims to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

The United Nations’ approach to building greener cities is comprehensive and multifaceted.

 It encompasses environmental sustainability, urban resilience, social equity, innovation, and community engagement. 

UN efforts focus on implementing inclusive, resilient and sustainable urban development policies and practices, prioritising access to essential services, affordable housing, efficient transportation and green spaces for all.

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In Bahrain, a country where the population is 100% urban, rapid population growth and high population density, social inclusion, and environmental challenges all call for integrated urban planning and housing styles that promote energy savings, reduced commuting by car, enhanced opportunities for open-air walking, and availability of community services.

Against this backdrop, the government is making significant efforts to enhance urban planning and management, including municipal services, improve water resources management, advance urban agriculture, provide affordable renewable energy, and improve access to adequate and affordable housing.  

The National Plan for Afforestation (2022 -2035) plays a key role in advancing these efforts. 

Support for sustainable urban planning has been high on the agenda of the United Nations in Bahrain. This includes innovative ways to bring ideas supporting inclusive, resilient cities closer to the Bahraini population.

The ‘Buthoor Al Bahrain’ campaign represents indeed one of the many collaborative efforts between the United Nations and the Government of Bahrain to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, including building a sustainable future and preserving the urban environment in the Kingdom for generations to come.

The project is part of the "Building Greener and Sustainable Cities" project implemented by UN-Habitat in collaboration with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture. 

This partnership aims to promote a shift towards more sustainable and climate-adaptable urban systems and improve environmental quality by enhancing green spaces in the Kingdom, aligning with the National Afforestation Plan. 

This joint effort by UN-Habitat and FAO is a testimony to the significant progress the United Nations in Bahrain has made to strengthen coherence, effectiveness, and efficiency.

It resulted in enhanced collaboration among agencies and materialized in comprehensive joint programme and interagency initiative proposals, allowing for a more integrated offer of support to be provided to the Government in key areas of work. 

It is also an example of hands-on work with the community, including engagement with multiple stakeholders, such as youth.  

As we gear up for the launch of the new Cooperation Framework for Bahrain, which is the road map for joint work between the United Nations and the Government, we will ensure that we build on the success and lessons learned from similar joint initiatives to continue supporting the Kingdom of Bahrain in achieving the SDGs, including SDG 11, by the 2030 deadline. 

Excellencies,

Ladies and gentlemen, 

Before concluding, I would like to say a few words about the Summit of the Future that the United Nations hosted in New York this September, where world leaders unanimously adopted a Pact for the Future that includes a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations. 

The Pact aims to expand and strengthen youth participation in decision-making, at the national and global levels. 

We know that by 2030, 60 percent of urban residents will be under 18. 

This year’s theme of World Habitat Day celebrated on 7 October, highlights the vital role of young people in creating a better urban future.

At the United Nations, we encourage Youth to lead the way to a sustainable future that leaves no one behind. 

I invite the young people of Bahrain to engage actively in this innovative campaign. 

Only with your energy can we build greener, sustainable cities where the whole community can thrive.  

Thank you.