Bahrain Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa is in China to head the Kingdom's delegation to the World Urban Forum in Nanjing, which opens tomorrow (November 3).

He will give a speech on his vision regarding development and the importance of group efforts so that the world can enjoy prosperity and stability.

Shaikh Khalifa will also present the 2008 Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman UN Habitat Award to Burkina Faso for the green brigade project.

The importance of the award is attributed to its support for plans and policies of the UN Habitat programme on urban development and housing.

It also embodies the Premier's vision to achieve sustainable urban development to eliminate poverty and to spread the sustainable development culture among poor communities.

The forum will be attended by non-governmental organisations, societies and academics alongside government heads, and national and international organisations. More than 15,000 people are expected to attend.

The forum gains importance due to the international reputation of Bahrain documented by human development reports highlighting the awareness of the government, led by the Premier.

The development does not rely only on economic growth and gross domestic product levels but also on ideal means of utilising all forms of resources, especially human.

Bahrain will also exchange experiences with other countries and review the best modern practices and policies.

The Premier's participation reflects the kingdom's interest in supporting international efforts to improve living conditions worldwide.-TradeArabia News Service