Foreign Minister launches the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2021 – 2022

His Excellency, Dr. Abdullatif Rashid Al-Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, has launched the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2021 – 2022 for Bahrain at a virtual signing ceremony attended by His Excellency, Abdulla bin Faisal Al Doseri, Assistant Foreign Minister, senior government officials and heads of UN agencies in Bahrain. The Resident Coordinator a.i., Mr. Mohamed El Zarkani, signed the UNSDCF on behalf of the UN Secretary-General.

“The UN system in Bahrain expresses its deep appreciation for its continued partnership with the Government of Bahrain and its acknowledgment of the UN system’s efforts in supporting the delivery of its national development priorities. With the start of the Decade of Action, the UNSDCF comes at a transformative moment to focus together on critical areas in achieving Bahrain’s national vision of ‘…a society where justice, security, stability, and prosperity prevail’ and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” said Mr. El Zarkani.

H.E. Dr. Al-Zayani expressed his belief that the UNSDCF constitutes a valuable tool for the Kingdom's development that responds to the policy and programming priorities of national development strategies, including the Economic Vision 2030 and the Government Action Plan 2019-2022. H.E. noted that the UNSDCF will also enhance the joint vision of achieving the SDGs, and that that the close relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the UN continue to align these efforts with the development needs and priorities of the Kingdom, expressing his deep gratitude to the United Nations Regional Director for Arab States, the UN Resident Coordinator and  the UN heads of agencies.

H.E. Al Doseri praised the efforts of the United Nations in signing the UNSDCF and described it as an example of the constructive cooperation between the United Nations and the Kingdom of Bahrain. H.E. welcomed the new UN agencies who are joining the updated version of the UNSDCF and noted it will further support and cooperation in future joint projects. H.E. also highlighted the keenness of the Kingdom of Bahrain in its continued work with the UN.

Based on the UN General Assembly Resolution 72/279 to better position the UN’s operational activities for development, the UNSDCF is situated as the UN’s central country planning instrument in support of the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and responds to the global reform of the UN Development System. As stated by UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, “The goal of reform is a 21st century United Nations, focused more on people and less on process, more on delivery and less on bureaucracy. The true test of reform will be measured in tangible results in the lives of the people we serve – and the trust of those who support our work.”

The UNSDCF was developed through a multi-stakeholder consultative process and is informed by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s Economic Vision 2030 and the Government Action Plan 2019-2022. It is an update of the Strategic Partnership Framework 2018 – 2022 and builds on the historical successes of the cooperation between the Government of Bahrain and the UN.

“With the Agenda 2030 and the SDGs at its core, the UNSDCF enables 21 UN agencies in Bahrain in implementing programmatic interventions under its four strategic priorities: 1) Environment, Energy, and Food; 2) Quality, Comprehensive Social Services; 3) Economic Diversification, Public Administration, and Resilience; and 4) Bahrain Among Nations,” stated Mr. El Zarkani.

The UNSDCF adopts strategies to support the Government of Bahrain in: 1) enhancing the implementation of strengthened policy and regulatory frameworks for the sustainable management of environmental resources and the promotion of energy efficiency and food security; 2) strengthening social sector policies and systems that will tangibly improve the delivery of quality, and comprehensive services for Bahraini citizens and residents; 3) fostering policy and regulatory reform that will build on Bahrain’s success to diversify its economy and generate employment, while strengthening the foundations for economic success with stronger rule of law and increased resilience; and 4) enhancing Bahrain’s role in international and regional partnerships for sustainable development, including peace and security initiatives, and to expanding South-South cooperation.