Bahrain's Prime Minister on Tuesday called for a major global strategy to help development in poorer countries.

Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa made his appeal in a keynote speech at the opening ceremony in Nanjing, China, of The Fourth World Urban Forum, said a report in our sister publication, the Gulf Daily News.

Following his address, he presented the first Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa UN Habitat Award to Burkina Faso for its green brigade project.

He had earlier stressed that the international community had a great responsibility towards modern development in less well-off countries, especially in the light of the world financial crisis which could be transformed into an economic crisis threatening such aspirations.

The Premier also emphasised that harmonious cities were important when facing modern challenges, which required a firm stance to implement policies able to achieve growth and prosperity through increasing the tempo of economic input.

He pointed out that half the world's population lives in cities and expected this figure to reach 70 per cent by 2050.

Shaikh Khalifa said that Bahrain had in place a structural strategic plan until 2030 which includes the utilisation of all available land.

He also stated that the government had given top priority to allocation of land for future housing purposes and its various service facilities.

He affirmed that international praise for Bahrain's efforts in this field and him being awarded the prize for outstanding achievement was yet another boost for the country to continue exerting more efforts to achieve aspired goals.

The Premier in his speech also praised the UN Habitat programme which he said helped further bolster efforts in this field and provide a decent life for people.

He said that with the belief in the importance of this UN programme, the kingdom had launched one to contribute in supporting such initiatives.

He also expressed his happiness to present the first award for the winning project to Burkina Faso, lauding the efforts of all those who undertook this outstanding and pioneering work.

Shaikh Khalifa extended his thanks and appreciation to China for hosting this forum and also his appreciation for the UN and head of its Habitat programme, wishing them continued success.

A film on the Prime Minister's modern development efforts in Bahrain was shown after the award presentation.

A film about the winning project was also screened. UN Habitat programme executive director Anna Tibaijuka indicated that the Premier's development efforts exceed the boundaries of his country and have earned the respect of the international community through his support and continuos initiatives. - TradeArabia News Service