Development challenges threat to global security

His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa has emphasised that development challenges faced by many countries pose a direct threat to international security and stability and need long-term mechanisms to handle them and meet people's aspirations for a better and more prosperous life. 
In a message to the world marking the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN–Habitat), which will be celebrated on October 5, he urged concerted efforts by the international community to achieve sustainable development goals and fast-track growth all over the world. He stressed the need to exploit resources to assist poor countries instead of squandering them on funding wars and interferences in other countries' affairs.

He affirmed the need for sustainable development to be an approach of life, pointing out the importance of focusing efforts on achieving it on sound bases and through international cooperation. Attaining the development goals and reaping their dividends can never be achieved without security and stability,he said, pointing out Bahrain's success to bring about many accomplishments under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa which may not be found in developed countries.

HRH the Prime Minister praised this year's theme of the UN-Habitat, "Public Places for All", pointing out the importance of public places in human and urban development. He said Bahrain has been very successful in this regard as documented by specialised reports. He took pride in celebrating the UN-Habitat which coincides with granting Bahrain the Information and Communication Technology in Sustainable Development Award by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). He asserted that the award, which was conferred on him recently by ITU, serves as an incentive to exert more efforts to bring about further development and optimise services.

HRH the Premier underlined the government's keenness to provide public and recreational facilities for people in Bahrain to entertain themselves, pointing out that there are 200 public parks across the kingdom. He stressed that carrying out development and entertainment projects in Bahrain takes into consideration the environmental and social aspects as well as the millennium development goals. He said that as part of the kingdom's commitment to honour the recommendations of the UN-Habitat, Bahrain has embarked on many urban projects aimed at improving the infrastructure by expanding and ameliorating the road network and public facilities while maintaining the kingdom's civilisation and historic identity.

HRH the Prime Minister affirmed that Bahrain's record in sustainable urban development is laden with praise-worthy achievements, pointing out listing Muharraq as one of the developed towns in the World Urban Forum in Napoli, Italy, in 2012. He also took pride in Bahrain's hosting of a conference on the post-2015 international sustainable development agenda in the Arab countries next December. He pointed out the kingdom's success in hosting the second session of a high-profile Arab forum on sustainable development last May.

HRH the Premier stressed Bahrain's development strategy which is based on the principle of sustainability as a key element in preparing and implementing comprehensive development schemes and catering for citizens' needs. He also voiced keenness on boosting cooperation with the UN-Habitat, commending the international organisation's efforts to promote global cooperation and stimulate regional and international efforts to foster peace, stability and growth.