Bahrain to involve private companies in next SDG review

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

The Ministry of Sustainable Development has informed the Shura Council that Bahrain will involve private companies in preparing its third Voluntary National Review (VNR), due in July 2026, as part of the Kingdom’s efforts towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In a written response to Shura Council member Dr Mohammed Ali, the ministry highlighted that achieving the 2030 Agenda is a shared responsibility across government, business, and civil society, with plans tailored t o national priorities. The Government Programme 2022– 2026, From Recovery to Sustainable Growth, provides a framework for collaboration between the government, legislature, and private sector.

The ministry’s role is primarily supportive and coordinating, representing Bahrain internationally, collecting material from delivery agencies, monitoring performance through the National Information and Population Team, and advising ministerial committees to guide policy and programmes. It complements bodies implementing projects and promotes private sector involvement by sharing international best practices and mapping opportunities and challenges.

Examples include collaboration with the Central Bank of Bahrain on ESG disclosure guidance, organising IMF discussions with local banks to accelerate SDG progress, and working with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce on the Green Factory Label programme. The ministry has also partnered with private entities to raise awareness among youth through initiatives such as a financial inclusion challenge with Mastercard, Tamkeen, and Benefit, and a sustainable tourism photography contest via Youth City 2030.

Private companies contributed actively to Bahrain’s second VNR in 2023, participating in workshops and national consultations, linking national plans such as Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 to the SDGs. The ministry stressed that the private sector remains central to achieving the goals through investment, funding, and innovation, with continued coordination across government to ensure delivery of targets and indicators.