Minister meets top UNIDO official

Vienna, May 15 (BNA): Electricity and Water Affairs Minister Dr. Abdulhussain Mirza met United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) Director General, Lee Yong, on sidelines of the Vienna Forum on Sustainable Energy. Dr. Mirza conveyed to the director general greetings from His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, as well as HM’s keenness to enhance the existing co-operation between Bahrain and UNIDO. Yong also conveyed his greetings to His Majesty the King, recalling his meeting during his recent visit to Bahrain, which resulted in many fruitful outcomes in the fields of industrial development. The minister briefed the director general on Bahrain’s experience in the renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors and the priority given by the government to encourage utilization of clean energy to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development. Yong appreciated Bahrain’s steps to keep pace with global developments, praising trends towards activating clean energy use and achieving the highest quality and sustainability levels in line with UNIDO’s standards. Dr. Mirza said his participation in the forum comes in preparation for Bahrain’s presentation of its Voluntary National Review in New York in July. The minister also highlighted the importance of renewable energy efficiency and its impact on the diversity of sources energy in Bahrain. This, he said, supports the diversification of the economy, creates employment opportunities in new sectors, and brings sophisticated and modern technology. He also spoke about the role of energy efficiency in industry and the rationalisation of consumption through policies that stimulate the private sector to use modern techniques. He also talked about waste management and recycling and turning them into energy. He also highlighted the importance of encouraging entrepreneurs to enter the sector of renewable energy and energy efficiency. The minister and his accompanying delegation thanked the director general for the welcome and the hospitality accorded to them, and for his interest in Bahrain’s experience in sustainable energy. Yong thanked the minister and officials for their efforts to ensure a bright and promising future in sustainable development.