NCC, UN DESA discuss SDGs communications efforts ahead of Bahrain’s VNR

Manama, May 10 (BNA): The National Communications Centre (NCC) of Bahrain hosted the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) during their first visit to the region.  UN DESA conducted a Voluntary National Review (VNR) training to the NCC employees to highlight the best communication practices and to discuss the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda, which includes the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Bahrain’s participation in the upcoming UN’s High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) from 9-18 July in New York City, USA.  The training was scheduled ahead of the upcoming High-Level Political Forum, where Bahrain, along with 46 other UN-member states, will be presenting their Voluntary National Review to the United Nations and its colleagues. The Voluntary National Review will highlight Bahrain’s current progress towards the UN’s 2030 Agenda and how the Kingdom plans to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.  To date, the Kingdom of Bahrain has taken steps towards the achievement of the SDGs through sustainable urban development, infrastructure, healthcare and institutional reform, all representing key components within the current Government Action Plan (2015-2018) and Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030.  During the one-day training, NCC employees learned from their UN colleagues on best practices, tactics and solutions on how to communicate the 17 goals and create opportunities to engage the people of Bahrain to be more involved in the progress of the SDGs ahead of the HLPF and through the next 12 years.  Dr. Mohamed Ali Bahzad, the Chief Executive of the National Communication Centre, said: "We must create opportunities to communicate and educate the people of Bahrain about the SDGs as these goals will inspire others to be effective partners toward the 17 ambitious goals. The NCC has a tripartite role by creating awareness, communicating the achievements and providing a motivational impact to the people of Bahrain through communicative efforts on how the Kingdom is taking positive measures towards a sustainable future for all. Like the United Nations has stated, we must leave no one behind." Saras Jagwanth, Adviser at United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, said: "The Kingdom of Bahrain is in a position to create an environment for not only the government, but also the civil society community, academia and the private sector to work together and thrive towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. This cross-sector community will create an environment of innovative discussions and action towards the 2030 Agenda."  The Sustainable Development Goals are 17 global goals set by the United Nations in 2015. The SDGs cover a broad range of social and economic development issues. These include poverty, hunger, health, education, climate change, gender equality, waters, sanitation, energy, urbanization, environment and social justice.