United Nations in Bahrain

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. With 22 United Nations Entities represented in the Kingdom of Bahrain, the United Nations' work encompasses all 17 SDGs.

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10 February 2026

In Bahrain; work, dignity and the quiet rise of home-grown enterprise

By Abdelmonem Makki, in Manama From a crochet hook in a Cairo living room to digital marketplaces reaching across borders, women entrepreneurs are demonstrating how creativity, persistence and targeted support can translate into livelihoods — even when formal employment is out of reach.
Their experiences underline a broader message: inclusive economic growth depends on opening space for those too often excluded, including people with disabilities, youth and home-based innovators. Entrepreneur by necessityFor Shaymaa Saeed, a young Egyptian crochet designer and handicrafts artist with a disability, entrepreneurship was not a lifestyle choice but a necessity. Health challenges prevented her from securing formal work, pushing her to rethink how she could earn a living.“I started my project from home in 2018 due to health challenges, after I was unable to secure a job,” she told UN News. Recently, she presented her work outside her home country for the first time, marking a significant milestone in her journey.Instead of giving up, I turned my hobby into a source of income
Stepping on stage“My participation marks my first step onto the international stage,” she said, pointing to the role of entrepreneurship training and institutional backing. “The support I received helped me grow personally and professionally, with greater confidence.” All the issues raised by Ms. Saeed’s experiences are up for discussion during this week’s Sixth World Entrepreneurs Investment Forum (WEIF), in the Bahraini capital, Manama, where a parallel exhibition on home-based entrepreneurship is showcasing how targeted support can turn personal challenges into economic opportunity. Organised by the UN Industrial Development Organization’s (UNIDO) International Technology and Innovation Promotion Office in Bahrain, the gathering is bringing together entrepreneurs, policymakers and investors from dozens of countries.Big dreamsMs. Saeed’s enterprise remains entirely home-based and online, but her ambitions extend well beyond that. “I do not yet have a physical store, but I dream of having my own space to showcase and sell my work, and of reaching markets across the world as a successful small business.”Ms. Saeed is candid about the realities of building a business from scratch. “Success does not come overnight,” she said. “It is a continuous journey of effort, learning and development.”I dream of having my own space to showcase and sell my work, and of reaching markets across the worldSimilar themes are emerging from other women using art and entrepreneurship as vehicles for agency and expression. Bahraini visual artist and art teacher Mariam Sayed Anwar, who also lives with a disability, described creativity as both discipline and emotional release.“My work moves between still life, portraits, charcoal, pencil and acrylic,” she explained, stressing the importance of experimentation. “I never limit myself to just one medium.”For her, art communicates what language sometimes cannot. “Through paint and brushes, I can express what is in my heart and soul more than writing ever could. Art is my language; when words fall silent, my work speaks for me.” International exposureBeyond individual stories, entrepreneurs from Africa gathering in Bahrain are highlighting the structural conditions that shape success or failure. Zimbabwean entrepreneur Dr. Roselyn Musaruru-Wacharewa said exposure to international networks had reshaped her understanding of what is possible – not just for individual women, but for entire regions.“In many African countries, governments tax entrepreneurs so heavily that it feels like they want you out of business,” she said, contrasting this with environments where policy actively encourages enterprise. Her appeal was blunt: African women entrepreneurs are ready, but governments must “change the narrative and give them real access and recognition”. Guterres underlines private sector roleThe importance of creating such enabling conditions was echoed by UN leaders and national officials, though the emphasis remained on outcomes rather than rhetoric. In his message delivered in Bahrain on Tuesday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres underlined the private sector’s role as an engine of jobs, innovation and investment, particularly through micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, which account for roughly two-thirds of global employment. He stressed that growth must go hand in hand with respect for human rights and labour standards, and with expanding opportunities for those left behind.UNIDO officials highlighted youth and women as central drivers of innovation, while Bahraini authorities pointed to national initiatives supporting young and women entrepreneurs, alongside strategies embracing artificial intelligence and new technologies.Lived experienceYet the strongest arguments for inclusive growth came not from policy statements, but from lived experience. From home-based businesses run entirely online, to art that speaks where words fail, entrepreneurs like Shaymaa Saeed illustrate what becomes possible when talent meets opportunity – and what is lost when barriers remain.

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26 October 2025

Commemoration of the United Nations’ 80th Anniversary in Bahrain kicks off with a Youth-Focused Celebration

The commemoration of the UN's 80th anniversary in Bahrain was launched on Sunday, 25 October 2025, during an event at the Bahrain Science Center for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), organized by the United Nations Country Team in Bahrain in partnership with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and the Bahrain Science Center for the SDGs. The opening ceremony marked the beginning of a vibrant three-day programme (25–27 October 2025) designed to celebrate eight decades of global cooperation, peacebuilding, and sustainable development, while spotlighting the transformative role of youth in shaping the future.The UN’s 80th anniversary is a moment to reaffirm the values of multilateralism and international solidarity, said Ahmed Ben Lassoued, Director of the United Nations Information Centre in Manama, highlighting the UN’s relevance in today’s world through innovation, inclusivity, and youth engagement. “The future cannot be built without youth”.Shaikha Butti, Director of the Youth Enabling Department at the Ministry of Youth Affairs, expressed Bahrain’s pride in being part of the United Nations’ legacy, emphasizing the strong partnership between the Ministry and the UN in empowering youth and advancing the 2030 Agenda, while highlighting that celebrating this milestone at the Bahrain Science Center for SDGs reflects the shared vision toward youth empowerment and a more sustainable and inclusive future. The event included a message by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on United Nations Day, observed on 24 October, and a video commemorating the UN's 80th anniversary, featuring United Nations resident coordinators and young people from across the globe. The three-day event includes a diverse array of activities aimed at engaging youth and the wider public.

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05 November 2025

United Nations in Bahrain launches a Photo Exhibition Marking 80 Years of Global Solidarity

The United Nations in Bahrain officially launched on Tuesday the UN@80 Photo Exhibition, “Shared Lives, Shared Future”, at Seef Mall’s Colours of the East Gallery, in the presence of government officials, diplomats, artists, and friends of the United Nations, reflecting Bahrain’s longstanding commitment to multilateral cooperation and sustainable development. The exhibition showcases stories from around the world, highlighting the many ways in which the world’s most crucial international organisation impacts our daily lives, including by supporting peace and security, overseeing regulatory frameworks, providing humanitarian assistance, promoting development, facilitating international conventions on trade, and advocating for human rights.“The exhibition we launch tonight tells a remarkable story—a story that began 80 years ago, a story of ambition and resolve, of cooperation and results. The people in these images remind us that multilateralism makes our world a better place. Only together can we continue building our shared future,” said Ahmed Ben Lassoued, Director of the United Nations Information Centre in Manama and Acting United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Kingdom of Bahrain.The exhibition in Bahrain showcases a selection of 31 photographs, and it continues until November 15. Other images can be seen online at the virtual exhibition: https://www.un.org/en/exhibits/exhibit/un80 The initiative is part of a global exhibition that takes place as part of the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and is organised globally by the UN Department of Global Communications, including the 59 United Nations Information Centres (UNICs), with support from Italy, Slovenia and Switzerland.

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16 February 2026

World Entrepreneurs and Investment Forum puts women at the heart of economic transformation

That was the central message of the Manama Declaration, issued at the close of the World Entrepreneurs and Investment Forum (WEIF) held this week in Bahrain.The declaration places women at the heart of economic transformation, underscoring that empowering them within business and innovation ecosystems is essential to achieving inclusive and sustainable growth.It also calls for strengthening women’s presence across emerging sectors, including the green, blue and orange economies which respectively promote environmental responsibility, sustainable use of ocean resources and creativity.Organized by the UN Industrial Development Organization’s (UNIDO) Investment and Technology Promotion Office in Bahrain, the forum convened leaders, investors and entrepreneurs from around the world to shape a more resilient global economy and unlock new opportunities for women-led enterprises.Abdelmonem MakkiWomen entrepreneurs gather on stage at the International Woman Entrepreneurial Challenge 2026 in Manama, Bahrain.“An amazing opportunity”For many participants, the forum delivered tangible results.Doris Martin, CEO of DMartin Consultancy in Bahrain, attended in search of meaningful collaboration and found it.Through business-to-business (B2B) meetings facilitated during the event, she established partnerships with companies in the United Arab Emirates and Morocco.“This forum has been effective for me,” she told UN News. “I’ve had B2B collaboration with regional companies through Bahrain and through UNIDO.”Tosin Arwejulo, CEO of Leadership Excel Consultancy and a Nigerian-American entrepreneur based in Bahrain, described the forum as a “powerful networking platform.”“I’ve had the opportunity to talk to people from literally every continent,” she said. “It has been an amazing opportunity to connect with like-minded leaders.”UN News/Abdelmonem MakkiFrom left to right: Tosin Arwejulo, CEO of Leadership Excel Consultancy and a Nigerian-American entrepreneur based in Bahrain, and Doris Martin, CEO of DMartin Consultancy in Bahrain(In the middle).Shared challenges, shared solutionsThe forum’s impact extended beyond the Arab region.Ayanthi Gurusinghe, President of the Ceylon Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka and representative of the South Asian Women Development Forum, attended alongside delegates from India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan.She said participants exchanged valuable lessons, particularly around access to finance, a challenge faced by women entrepreneurs across regions.“It was a good opportunity for networking, to come together, share views, learn and exchange experiences,” she said, expressing appreciation to UNIDO for creating a space where global connections could flourish.UN News/Abdelmonem MakkiAyanthi Gurusinghe, President of the Ceylon Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka and representative of the South Asian Women Development Forum, at WEIF 2026 in Bahrain.Special focus on artists with disabilitiesBeyond panel discussions and networking sessions, the forum also spotlighted inclusive entrepreneurship through three exhibitions including on “Determined Creative Entrepreneur.”Among the exhibitors was Nisreen Samour of Micro Art Center in Bahrain, which specializes in training and developing artistic talent, with a special focus on artists with disabilities.“Today, we have about nine students participating, each specializing in an artistic field that aligns with their interests and abilities,” she said.“I personally train them, and we are currently working on developing their skills and empowering them to produce professional artwork that will help them effectively enter the art market and the job market, thus contributing to increased productivity and the center's overall performance” she told UN News.The centre also works with orphans, helping them develop artistic skills and showcase their work publicly — fostering independence and self-reliance through creativity.UN News/Abdelmonem MakkiNisreen Samour of Micro Art Center in Bahrain, which specializes in training and developing artistic talent, with a special focus on artists with disabilities.The role of academiaOne recurring theme was the role of higher education in preparing young women to enter the world of entrepreneurship.In an interview with UN News, Dr. Nihal Al-Najjar, professor at the Royal University for Women in Bahrain, highlighted the need to embed entrepreneurship deeply within academic systems.“Our academic role is to integrate entrepreneurship not just as a subject, but as a methodology,” she said, explaining that experiential learning and practical application are key. “We encourage students to think, innovate and identify gaps in society, and then work to find solutions.”She added that universities must go beyond classroom teaching by connecting students to the wider entrepreneurial ecosystem, guiding them towards mentorship, funding opportunities and professional networks when they are ready to launch their own ventures.UN News/Abdelmonem MakkiDina Najar at WEIF2026 in Manama, Bahrain, covering Sustainable Development Goals.A driving force for sustainable developmentThe World Entrepreneurs and Investment Forum (WEIF) was preceded by the annual conference of the International Women Entrepreneurial Challenge (IWEC)—a New York-based NGO that helps women-owned businesses to grow.Speaking at the conference, UNIDO Director General Gerd Müller described women’s entrepreneurship as a driving force for sustainable development, global innovation and economic inclusion.“We must ensure that women everywhere have a level playing field and are given the opportunity to unlock their full potential,” he stated, highlighting persistent barriers to finance, technology, and higher-skilled roles for women globally.Reaffirming UNIDO’s commitment, he added that “empowering women is essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.” The 17 SDGs, adopted by governments in 2015, provide a blueprint for a more just and equitable future for all people and the planet.Mr. Müller praised Bahrain’s leadership in supporting entrepreneurship and women’s economic participation and outlined UNIDO’s ongoing work in crisis-affected countries, noting, “UNIDO has just started working to set up recovery programmes in Syria, Sudan, and Palestine… mostly the women there are affected, and they need our support.”UNIDO ITPO BahrainGerd Müller, Director General of UNIDO, speaking at the International Woman Entrepreneurial Conference in Bahrain 2026.Women as engines of businessIn her opening remarks, IWEC Chair Ibukun Awosika highlighted women’s transformative role as engines of business, leadership, and national progress.She emphasized that women constitute half of the world’s productive assets and, when empowered, become game changers in corporate and political leadership. Drawing on her own journey, Ms. Awosika recalled building a manufacturing group over 36 years before becoming the first and only woman chair of sub-Saharan Africa’s oldest financial institution, First Bank of Nigeria.“What women represent to the world is 50 per cent of its assets — productive, constructive assets that are game changers when fully deployed,” she said.“Every nation that has enough wisdom to invest and to actualize the talent that is in 50 per cent of its population is a country that is set to win.”UNIDO ITPO BahrainH.E. Mrs. Ibukun Awo, IWECC Chair, speaking at WEIF2026 in Bahrain.Success Stories from Bahrain and NigeriaAccording to its website, the International Women Entrepreneurial Challenge (IWEC) has recognized 575 distinguished awardees globally, honoured annually at its conferences and nominated by partner organizations, representing women-owned businesses from across the world.In Bahrain, IWEC recognized a new cohort of awardees from the Middle East and Africa.Among them was Sonia Mohamed Janahi, founder of Maya La Chocolaterie, who highlighted UNIDO’s role in advancing women’s entrepreneurship.With UNIDO’s support, Janahi expanded her Bahraini chocolate brand into Africa, establishing a cocoa processing plant in Côte d’Ivoire, creating jobs, promoting ethical supply chains, and ensuring global recognition for African-produced chocolate.Abdelmonem MakkiOfficial event photo from WEIF2026 in Manama, Bahrain.“UNIDO has played a very vital role in my progression. They have taken my project and opened opportunities for me,” she told UN News, underscoring UNIDO’s commitment to recognizing women entrepreneurs across Bahrain, the Middle East, and Africa.“This event represents women globally and investments over $6 billion that bring women globally together. It awards women who have not just started a business but have sustained a business and scaled up a business and have had an impact on the economy and on the society.”Also honoured was Nigerian entrepreneur Oluwakelemi, who discussed her gifting and lifestyle retail business, which employs women and supports household incomes across Nigeria while preparing to expand internationally.“I am passionate about building scalable African businesses with global reach,” she told UN News. “Not less than 5,000 people have been able to benefit from our business, from our work.”UNIDO ITPO Bahrain

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07 May 2026

UN leads call to prepare ‘for when digital systems fail’

It can be annoying when the wifi signal is cut, but what about if everything digital we rely on were to crash suddenly – from satellites to life-support systems in hospitals? That’s the nightmare scenario that the UN is trying to avoid, in a call to all Member States to work together to avoid the cascading impacts of a “digital pandemic”.The risks to all of us are real and they have already been observed on Earth and in space, including a solar storm that narrowly missed Earth in 2012 that could have knocked out power grids and communications across entire continents.“The common denominator of these unintentional disruptions is their tendency to cascade with impacts that spread across sectors like finance, like healthcare, transport, energy, and communications. And this can often happen simultaneously,” warned Doreen Bogdan-Martin, head of the International Telecommunication Union, ITU.Other risks include the alarming growth of space debris which is already threatening to make it impossible to launch satellites, which could lock us out of space.This would jeopardize satellite navigation, financial network, and weather forecasting all at once, warns ITU, along with the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, UNDRR.Both agencies add that extreme weather is growing more violent with climate change and has severed digital infrastructure entirely, turning disasters into humanitarian crises. Cascading failuresDigital disruption is rarely contained to isolated events but instead tends to cascade, the report shows. This is underscored by data that up to 89 per cent of digital disruption linked to natural hazards are caused by secondary effects rather than the initial shock. “The number of people ultimately affected can be up to 10 times higher than those initially exposed” to the original incident, the UN agencies said.The risk is systemic, said Kamal Kishore, head of the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). “Many of these risks are invisible. A lot of the times the interdependencies are not fully recognised.”He warned that failures in one system can quickly ripple outward. “If the power systems go down...most telecom towers have a backup of nine hours and after that, it will not work. When telecoms do not work, the ATM machines do not work, [and] people do not have access to their own cash.”Action pointsDespite the risks, the report stresses that the solution is not to retreat from digital technologies as they are an essential driver of economic growth and innovation. Instead, countries should prepare 21st century workarounds for when they fail and pushing for better early warning systems."There is an implicit assumption that when the digital systems fail, we will have analogue systems to fall back on. But those are no longer there," said UNDRR's Mr. Kishore. "The expertise, the equipment from that is getting outdated."“It is time to start preparing for critical digital risks more intentionally,” Ms. Bogdan-Martin stressed.The report outlines six priority areas for action, including improving risk mapping, strengthening international standards, enhancing coordination across sectors and building the capacity of societies to absorb and recover from disruptions.It also calls for stronger global collaboration and better use of early warning systems to translate risk awareness into action.“This report...makes it very alive, very real,” Mr. Kishore said. “The risk of a digital disaster is not a matter of if, it is a matter of when.” Digital risks: From solar storms to extreme weatherIn 1859, a powerful solar storm – the Carrington Event – disrupted telegraph systems worldwide, triggering electrical surges so intense that “sparks” flew from equipment, halting communications – the 19th century equivalent of an internet outage.Such non-intentional disruptions remain a real threat today, warns the ITU-UNDRR report.But risks are no longer limited to space weather. Extreme heat, storms and other climate-driven hazards are increasingly capable of damaging digital infrastructure, from power grids to data cables.With modern societies far more dependent on digital networks, the impact of such failures could be global, rapid and far more severe.

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30 April 2026

AI in advertising risks fuelling information crisis, UN warns

In a new brief titled Strengthening Information Integrity: Advertising, Artificial Intelligence and the Global Information Crisis, the Department of Global Communications and the Conscious Advertising Network caution that unchecked AI adoption in advertising is accelerating risks across the whole digital information ecosystem.The brief notes that the advertising industry sits at the centre of how information flows online, with its spending decisions influencing which content is produced, amplified and monetised.As AI tools become embedded in media buying and content generation, those dynamics are intensifying.“Advertising funds the systems that help shape what people see, trust and believe,” said Charlotte Scaddan, UN Senior Adviser on Information Integrity.“Without swift action and guardrails, AI risks accelerating the breakdown of information ecosystem integrity. Advertisers have the power to help fix it.”Risks multiplyingThe brief highlights several growing risks.AI is accelerating the spread of disinformation, hate speech and polarising content, while advertising revenue continues to fund online material – regardless of its quality or accuracy.At the same time, a lack of transparency in how AI-driven advertising systems work is raising concerns about fraud and inefficiency.The rise of AI-generated content also threatens the viability of independent journalism, the report notes, warning that declining trust in digital environments is already undermining the effectiveness of ad campaigns.The brief stresses that these are not only societal concerns but direct business risks. As audiences lose trust in the platforms where ads appear, engagement drops and returns on investment decline.“Brands are under pressure to move fast on AI, but doing so without guardrails risks undermining the very environments their marketing depends on,” said Harriet Kingaby of the Conscious Advertising Network – a global coalition advancing responsible advertising.“This is not about slowing innovation – it’s about making sure it works for business and society.”Call to actionThe UN briefing calls on policymakers to align governance frameworks for AI and advertising with international standards on information integrity, and to work with industry and civil society to improve transparency.For advertisers, it recommends demanding greater visibility across AI supply chains, prioritising quality media environments and using financial leverage to push platforms towards creating stronger safeguards for users and consumers.Evidence cited in the brief suggests that improving transparency in media buying can deliver double-digit gains in advertising performance – underscoring that responsible practices can also align with good business.

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12 March 2026

Bahrain Marks International Mother Language Day

On 24 February, the United Nations in Bahrain joined the Embassy of Bangladesh in Manama in celebrating International Mother Language Day at an event held at the Arab Open University, attended by Bahraini officials, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of civil society organisations, academics, and education personnel. Speaking at the event, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bahrain, Khaled El Mekwad, emphasised the importance of languages in shaping identities, nurturing cultures, and building inclusive and cohesive societies. "International Mother Language Day is a reminder that linguistic rights are human rights, and that we must strive to protect and promote the languages of all peoples, especially those endangered or marginalised," El Mekwad said. "This year's theme, 'Youth voices on multilingual education,' highlights the central role of language in learning, knowledge transmission, and full participation in society. The theme also places young people at the forefront of efforts to sustain linguistic diversity through education, innovation, and community engagement," he said, drawing attention to global challenges related to language and education. According to UNESCO, more than 7,000 languages are spoken or signed worldwide. Yet only 351 languages are used in education systems, and fewer than 100 are used in the digital world. In addition, approximately 40 per cent of learners globally lack access to education in a language they speak or understand, a figure that rises to more than 90 per cent in some regions. The Resident Coordinator reaffirmed the United Nations' commitment to supporting the right to quality education in languages learners understand. He noted that promoting mother tongues supports academic success, social inclusion, and a stronger sense of cultural identity. Over 70 artworks submitted by schoolchildren from across the Kingdom of Bahrain were exhibited at the event, and the authors of the best artworks were honoured, underscoring the day's importance through the children's creativity. The programme also featured a special poetry segment comprising the recitation of poems by several ambassadors accredited to the Kingdom of Bahrain in their mother tongue. The global observance of International Mother Language Day is an initiative first proposed by the People's Republic of Bangladesh and formally endorsed by the UNESCO General Conference in 1999. Since its first global observance in 2000, the day has brought people together around a shared commitment to preserving linguistic diversity and safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.

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04 February 2026

Bahrain Marks First International Day for Peaceful Coexistence

On 28 January, the King Hamad Global Centre for Coexistence and Tolerance (KHGC) brought together senior officials, diplomats, UN representatives, civil society partners, and faith leaders to mark the International Day of Peaceful Coexistence, reaffirming Bahrain’s commitment to fostering mutual respect, dialogue, and harmony among diverse cultures and communities.Speaking at the event, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Kingdom of Bahrain, Khaled El Mekwad, underscored the UN’s message that peaceful coexistence is “more than the absence of conflict – it is the ability to live together amid differences while upholding justice, dignity, equality, and human rights for all.” He highlighted that this vision is deeply rooted in the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which collectively emphasise peace as a foundation for inclusive and sustainable societies. The day serves as a collective commitment to building bridges of understanding and working together for a future where every person can live in dignity, peace, and mutual respect, he said. El Mekwad further stressed the critical role of education in cultivating tolerance and intercultural understanding, echoing the UN’s call to build societies rooted in empathy, fairness, and shared responsibility. The observance coincides with Bahrain’s assumption of its role as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, an achievement the Resident Coordinator described as a reflection of the international community’s confidence in Bahrain’s constructive diplomacy and commitment to multilateral cooperation.He noted that Bahrain’s Security Council tenure offers an opportunity to elevate regional perspectives, reinforce the peaceful settlement of disputes, and support dialogue amid heightened global tensions.On 4 March 2025, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/79/269, proclaiming 28 January as the International Day of Peaceful Coexistence.The resolution emphasises the role of Member States and stakeholders in promoting tolerance, respect for religious and cultural diversity, and human rights. It also invites all countries, international organisations, civil society, and the media to celebrate the International Day through meaningful activities that foster a culture of peace, inclusion, understanding, and solidarity.

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04 February 2026

UN Bahrain discusses its new partnership strategy with Government and Private Sector partners

The United Nations in Bahrain convened this week two-day, high-level consultation workshops with representatives of Bahrain’s public and private sectors to advance a more coherent, streamlined, and results-driven approach to partnerships under the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2025–2029.Facilitated by the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bahrain, the workshops brought together United Nations officials, government representatives, and private-sector partners, including members of chambers of commerce, and academics. The consultations marked a major step towards a new UN Bahrain–Public Sector–Private Sector Partnership Strategy for 2026–2029 and strengthening institutional alignment around partnership engagement.The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bahrain, Khaled El Mekwad, highlighted the strong potential of UN-Bahrain collaboration, through more structured and strategic partnerships, to accelerate progress on shared priorities, including achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He noted that the objective is “to make partnerships easier to do, faster to launch, and better aligned with national development priorities,” emphasising that partnerships are not only about funding, but about mobilising Bahrain’s conducive ecosystem of technological expertise, innovation, data solutions, and co-financing models.“The UNSDCF 2025–2029 provides a strategic framework that aligns United Nations support with the Kingdom of Bahrain's development priorities, including Bahrain Economic Vision 2030, while emphasising results, innovation and impact,” said Hatem Abdelhameed Hatem, Head of International Organisations at Bahrain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He highlighted “the importance of a clear and structured triangular model that brings together the Government, the United Nations and the Private Sector to translate priorities into concrete initiatives, investments and scalable impact.”Participants discussed proposals of effective pathways for UN–Private Sector Partnership, a triangular UN–Government–Private Sector model designed to bring greater clarity to roles, coordination mechanisms, and approval processes.They jointly reviewed key findings of the new UN Bahrain partnership strategy, examined opportunities in SDG-aligned investment, and discussed practical engagement modalities to strengthen institutional coherence.Discussions included priority areas of United Nations- Bahrain partnership, including manufacturing, food security, logistics and connectivity; digital transformation and innovation- FinTech, AI and ICT; clean and renewable energy transition; vocational education, health services, sustainable tourism and hospitality innovation; gender and disability inclusion.

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Press Release

27 April 2026

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL --- MESSAGE ON WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY 2026

People often say that in war, truth is the first casualty.But far too frequently, the first casualties are the journalists who risk everything to report that truth – not only in war, but wherever those in power fear scrutiny.Across the globe, media workers risk censorship, surveillance, legal harassment – and even death.Recent years have seen a sharp rise in the number of journalists killed – often deliberately targeted – in war zones.Eighty-five percent of the crimes committed against journalists go uninvestigated and unpunished: an unacceptable level of impunity.Economic pressures, new technologies, and active manipulation are also putting press freedom under unprecedented strain.When access to reliable information erodes, mistrust takes root.When public debate is distorted, social cohesion weakens.And when journalism is undermined, crises become far more difficult to prevent and resolve.All freedom depends on press freedom.Without it, there can be no human rights, no sustainable development – and no peace.On this World Press Freedom Day, let us protect the rights of journalists, and build a world where the truth – and truth-tellers – are safe.***#WorldPressFreedomDay2026

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Press Release

28 January 2026

Statement by the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bahrain, Khaled El Mekwad, on the International Day of Peaceful Coexistence, observed on 28 January 2026

Manama, Bahrain, 28 January 2026 Today, as the world marks the first International Day of Peaceful Coexistence, we celebrate a global commitment to understanding, dialogue, and shared humanity. This day holds special significance for the Kingdom of Bahrain, whose leadership and advocacy at the United Nations played an instrumental role in establishing this observance. Bahrain’s long-standing model of peaceful coexistence—rooted in mutual respect, cultural diversity, and interfaith harmony—continues to inspire nations striving to foster inclusive and tolerant societies.The International Day of Peaceful Coexistence reminds us that peace is far more than the absence of conflict; it is the ability to live together among our differences while upholding justice and human rights. It is a continuous process that requires vigilance, understanding, and active participation from all members of society.This Day also highlights the importance of international frameworks—such as the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights —which enshrine principles and values essential to peaceful coexistence, including equality, non-discrimination, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. These foundational frameworks, along with other international instruments, including the Agenda 2030 for sustainable development, outline the values of tolerance, dialogue, and mutual respect that underpin a stable and harmonious world. At a time when instability and conflict are on the rise, in the Middle East and other parts of the world, the International Day of Peaceful Coexistence serves as a platform to raise awareness of diverse cultures, beliefs, and ways of life, and to reaffirm the international community’s commitment to the principles and purposes of the United Nations. It also underscores the vital role of education in promoting tolerance and eliminating discrimination.The United Nations in Bahrain will continue supporting the Kingdom’s sustained efforts in building bridges among communities, promoting interfaith dialogue, and fostering diversity. Bahrain’s example demonstrates that peaceful coexistence is not only possible—it is essential for sustainable development, social cohesion, and long-term stability.

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