Bahrain’s efforts to achieve SDGs highlighted at World Forum

Manama, Sep. 5 (BNA): Member of the Representatives Council, MP Ahmed Al-Damistani, has stressed Bahrain’s continuous efforts to strengthen its legislative infrastructure to enhance effective social participation and achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through the Government Action Plan (GAP), Bahrain seeks to adopt sustainable development strategies aimed at improving its institutions’ performance and ensuring their involvement in the development process, noting that the kingdom’s priorities include combating corruption and developing its work mechanisms, commensurate with SDGs, he said. Speaking during the World Parliamentary Forum on Sustainable Development, held in Bali, Indonesia, on September 4-5, under the theme ‘Combating Inequality through Social and Financial Inclusion’, MP Al-Damistani stressed that achieving the Sustainable Development Agenda is a voluntary, universal and inclusive process. He called for the need to create a suitable international environment to support countries’ efforts to achieve SDGs, within the global partnership for sustainable development, stressing the importance of expanding the participation of all social segments in the development process, including women, youth, persons with disabilities, the elderly, displaced persons, refugees and marginalised groups, in promoting social justice and achieving sustainable development. MP Al-Damistani added that the importance of the World Forum stems from its interest in tackling a vital issue- SDGs, noting that the Representatives Council’s participation is in line with the directives of Speaker, Fawzia bint Abdulla Zainal, for lawmakers to activate their role as representatives of the people and express their views on ways to achieve the 17 SDGs, for the sake of bringing about more progress and welfare for the kingdom. The Representatives Council’s delegation to the World Forum comprises MPs Ahmed Al-Damistani, and Ibrahim Al-Nafaie. The first session of the forum focused on the role of infrastructure and industrial innovation in fostering equal opportunities, as well as in eliminating inequalities and creating inclusive communities. Meanwhile, the second session discussed ways to ensure rural access to clean water supply, sanitation and hygiene, and focused on finding solutions to reach the poorest and the marginalised in improving their health, nutrition and productivity.