Premier presents his award for sustainable development to Anna Tibaijuka

Manama, Sep. 27 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa received at Gudaibiya Palace today Anna Kajumulo Tibaijuka, the former Minister of Lands, Housing and Human Settlements, Tanzania, former UN- Under Secretary-General of the United Nations and Former Executive Director, UN-Habitat and Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi. He presented her with his award for sustainable development and a certificate of appreciation signed by him in tribute for her major contributions to supporting international sustainable development efforts. HRH the Premier extended congratulations anew to Anna Tibaijuka on the award granted to her in recognition of her efforts over many years through the UN-Habitat programme to support sustainable and urban development. He said Bahrain highly values the role of Anna Tibaijuka and her international efforts to back sustainable urban development and prompt more international efforts to assist developing countries in boosting people's welfare. He stressed the need to be inspired by her experience in international work, pointing out the importance of concerted international efforts to assist developing countries in promoting their people's welfare. HRH the Prime Minister said highlighting the bright models in humanitarian and development work, like the role played by Tibaijuka, sets an example and serves as a motive to go ahead with sustainable development and serving mankind. He underlined Bahrain's keenness to continue the path of success in comprehensive sustainable development and build on its millennium development goals accomplishments in order to achieve the sustainable development goals 2030 endorsed by the UN. Anna Tibaijuka thanked HRH the Premier for the award which, she said, reflects his keenness on improving people's living conditions everywhere. She added the honour was a source of happiness for her, her family and people as the award came as a coronation of her march through the UN-Habitat programme to boost cooperation in sustainable development, especially in under-developed countries. She affirmed that the award serves as a motive to continue her efforts in encouraging her compatriots and raising their awareness of the need to brave challenges by carrying out sustainable development plans. She said "I am inspired by HRH the Prime Minister's experience which is a model to emulate in development experiences." Anna Tibaijuka recalled with pride the statement of the current President of the UN General Assembly who commended the creative initiative of HRH the Premier in launching the prestigious award. She added that the award is a message through which Bahrain is trying to confirm its role as an active partner in the international community's efforts to achieve the UN development goals and stimulate pioneering initiatives in this regard. She also commended Bahrain's success in sustainable development which earned it a leading place in human development reports in the region for many years. She described Bahrain's experience in sustainable development as a story of success reflecting determination to bring about growth to Bahrain and its people.