Bahrain has made advanced strides in achieving sustainable development goals as a result of the leadership’s directives, said a report.

The government will continue implementing the development strategies featuring in the National Master Plan for Bahrain in co-operation with the competent sides to achieve the goals of sustainable development, reported the BNA citing the Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister
Essam bin Abdulla Khalaf.

He was speaking at a function to mark the UN World Habitat Day, which is being celebrated under the theme “Housing at the Centre” across the globe today (October 3).

Khalaf pointed out that through the National Strategic Master Plan, the ministry has provided the necessary areas to meet the citizens’ various development needs, especially decent housing.

"The Master Plan draws the prospects of sustainable development in the kingdom in the future. His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s issuance of Royal Decree 36/2016 on approving the plan proves the royal vision and desire to put in place the requirements of sustainable urban development for the present and future generations," said the minister.

"Under the leadership of His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, and thanks to the constant follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier, the government has been keen on providing all requirements of sustainable urban development, and has shown great interest in this development in all areas through launching development policies and programmes across the kingdom’s governorates," observed Khalaf.

According to him, the efforts of the kingdom in supporting and promoting sustainable development are not confined to the local level, and the HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa Award for Sustainable Development granted recently at the UN headquarters in New York reflects Bahrain’s efforts to achieve the goals of sustainable development at the global level.

The municipal councils are essential partners in Bahrain's sustainable development efforts through the development projects they agree on, and through their participation in studying the urban planning projects to include the needs of their communities within the nation’s development process, he added.