Foreign Ministry Undersecretary meets Undersecretary-General of UN-OHRLLS

New York, Sept. 26 (BNA): Foreign Affairs Ministry Undersecretary for International Affairs, Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, met the Undersecretary-General and High Representative of the UN Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, Fekitamoeloa Utoikamanu. This came on the sidelines of the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 74) in New York. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed pointed out the importance of supporting the efforts of the UN to address the challenges facing small island states due to the effects of climate change and global warming. He called upon the international community to develop solutions to all environmental problems that threaten humanity as a whole in order to reach a balanced safe global environment in line with the sustainable development goals 2030. The undersecretary also stressed the need to find practical and binding mechanisms to reduce adverse conditions related to climate change and develop an integrated approach capable of addressing biodiversity loss. "Bahrain provides an inspiring example in the progress, reform and development of the emerging island countries, and represents a global development and humanitarian model in relation to citizens and their right to a safe and prosperous environment and access to services of the highest possible quality," he explained. He said the Kingdom has issued the first voluntary national report on Sustainable Development Goals, linking them with the previous and current government work program, and has achieved good and tangible results in protecting the environment, reducing pollution and relying on sustainable energy. "Bahrain pays special attention to the environment in all its elements and fields thanks to the royal support His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa national and comes at the forefront of the world states that observes international agreements and keeps abreast of its national legislation and global norms." In this respect, he reviewed the role and efforts of the Supreme Council for the Environment, chaired by HH the King's Personal Representative, in the protection of the environment, capacity building and success in raising environmental awareness. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah commended the outcomes of the follow-up and coordination committee between the Government of Bahrain, the resident, and regional United Nations’ agencies as one of the fruits of the strategic partnership framework to support government projects and programs and promote sustainable development, in accordance with the principles of the Bahrain Economic Vision 2030. He expressed hope that the Kingdom would benefit from projects and initiatives launched by international organizations for the benefit of the island countries, including the initiative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) entitled "Blue Growth" to optimize the utilization of water resources, welcoming International and regional partnerships to improve the climate and reduce emissions. In her turn, Utoikamanu praised Bahrain’s efforts in environmental protection, hailing Bahrain’s successful march in achieving the sustainable development goals 2030 and reinforcing renewable energy resources.