New York : Noor bint Ali Al Khulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development and Chief Executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), participated in the opening of the Ministerial Segment of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF)).
Ambassador Jamal Fares Al Rowaei, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United Nations in New York, was present.
Minister Al Khulaif delivered the Kingdom of Bahrain’s statement during the General Debate segment of the forum, held under the theme: “Delivering Better: Accelerating Urgent and Transformative Action to Achieve the SDGs by 2030”. The statement reaffirmed the Kingdom of Bahrain’s commitment, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and in line with the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to continuing the implementation of national development plans and programmes that advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The statement highlighted the Kingdom’s efforts to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a comprehensive development model built on four strategic pillars. These include investing in human capital, preserving Bahrain’s historical and cultural heritage and national identity, building a diversified and sustainable economy driven by innovation and strategic partnerships, and strengthening future readiness through forward-looking policies across the economic, social, and environmental sectors.
It referred to Bahrain’s response to the Iranian attacks targeting civilians and critical infrastructure, noting that the Kingdom prioritised the safety and wellbeing of citizens and residents, ensured the continuity of essential healthcare services, whilst focusing on safeguarding lives and national assets, reaffirming its commitment to leaving no one behind. Despite various challenges, the statement stressed that Bahrain remains steadfast in preserving its national achievements and advancing their sustainability.
The statement also highlighted the Kingdom’s international role through its membership as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2026–2027 term, underscoring its commitment to promoting international peace and security, strengthening multilateral cooperation, supporting diplomatic solutions, and contributing to stability, sustainable peace, and shared prosperity.
This year’s Forum is convened under the theme, “Transformative, equitable, innovative and coordinated actions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals for a sustainable future for all,” during the presentation of the Kingdom of Bahrain’s Third Voluntary National Review (VNR).
The HLPF is the United Nations’ central platform for the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Convened under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the Forum brings together ministers and high-level representatives of governments, international organisations, civil society, and other stakeholders to exchange experiences and best practices in advancing implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
The opening session of the Ministerial Segment featured remarks by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations; Annalena Baerbock, President of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly; and Lok Bahadur Thapa, President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). In their remarks, they underscored the importance of strengthening international cooperation and collective action to accelerate progress towards the SDGs amid growing development, economic, and social challenges.
