UN-Habitat Executive Director highlights Sustainable Urban Development during a visit to Bahrain

During a visit to Bahrain in February, United Nations Human Settlement Programme (UN-Habitat) Executive Director Maimunah Mohd Sharif engaged with national stakeholders to increase technical cooperation between the United Nations and the Kingdom of Bahrain to support the initiatives undertaken by the country to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with a focus on SDG 11 towards sustainable cities and communities.

The visit was marked by the launch of the 2022 States of Arab Cities Report, produced by UN-Habitat, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and DERASAT, a Bahraini think tank.

The report presents the state of urbanisation in the Arab region, including drivers and urbanisation trends and explores major challenges and opportunities.

“Cities in the Arab world are transforming at a rapid pace. While each city faces unique challenges, working through a cohesive strategy across regions can help municipalities see a broader view of local issues”, said Sharif.

"Greening our cities goes a long way towards ensuring the achievement of the SDGs and costing on the implementation of climate action in urban environments”, she added.

According to UN-Habitat, the Arab Region will be one of the regions most strongly impacted by Climate Change.

The visit also witnessed the signing of a joint agreement with the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture.

Under the agreement, UN-Habitat and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) will provide support and assistance to a number of urban development programs in Bahrain, especially those related to the national afforestation strategy, by developing implementation plans and building local capacities in the field.

Mrs Sharif also discussed sustainable urban development with several Ministers and high-ranking officials of Bahrain, including the Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, Amna bint Ahmed Alromaihi, the Minister of Sustainable Development, Noor bin Ali AlKhulaif, and the Secretary of the Supreme Council of Women, Hala Al-Alansari.

“Sustainable development and urban infrastructure are at the heart of creating resilient and sustainable cities. We must all work together to create a better future for all”, said Sharif.