Decisive government actions undertaken in the post-pandemic era have helped Bahrain’s economy and national development priorities, according to a new United Nations (UN) report released yesterday.
This includes making progress to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – the global blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet.
The 2022 Country Results Report was released by the UN country team (UNCT) that details steps taken by different agencies, or their representatives, to work with the Bahrain government on a wide range of issues.
The team is composed of 21 UN funds, programmes and specialised agencies working jointly under the leadership of UN Resident Co-ordinator Khaled El Mekwad to support Bahrain in its development priorities.
He said the report provides valuable insights on the progress made in support of the country’s priorities and achievement of the SDGs. “In 2022, UNCT continued to support the country as it made further positive strides despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Mr El Mekwad.
“As part of a historic government reshuffle, the Sustainable Development Ministry – a first in the region – was established demonstrating the country’s commitment to place the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs at the forefront of national programmes and initiatives.”
Mr El Mekwad said the ministry, as part of collaborative efforts, will release the second Voluntary National Review that will be presented at the UN High-Level Political Forum to be held in New York from July 10 to 19.
SDGs are a set of 17 goals with 169 targets and 248 indicators that include eradicating poverty, hunger and gender discrimination, while guaranteeing affordable and clean energy, climate action and quality education.
All UN member-states in 2015 agreed to work towards achieving their goals by 2030. “We also continued to promote human rights as well as gender equality and women’s empowerment, disability inclusion, youth engagement in development processes and the protection of vulnerable groups throughout the year,” said Mr El Mekwad.
The report highlights the government’s move from response to recovery and beyond with the pressure of the pandemic easing last year.
“Backed by decisive government actions undertaken in line with the Economic Recovery Plan, the national economy continued a healthy and broad-based rebound during the year,” the report states.
It says that gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 4.9 per cent in 2022, which was the highest since 2013.
Economic growth was mainly propelled by non-oil sectors, with the hospitality sector being a key driver and the financial sector gaining a greater share of the economy. “This demonstrates that the country is on a solid path towards a more diversified economic structure,” added the report.
It explains that though inflation peaked at 3.7 per cent in 2022, mainly driven by food prices as Bahrain synchronised its monetary policy with advanced economies by tightening financial conditions.
Government measures such as subsidies, price caps on certain products and financial support to low-income families, have helped offset the impact of rising consumer prices, added the report.
The UNCT conducts its work in line with Bahrain and the UN Strategic and Sustainable Development Co-operation Framework (SCF) 2021–2024.
This document is the most important instrument for planning and implementation of UN agencies activities in the country.
Some key points in the report:
l National capacities were specifically enhanced in climate and seasonal forecasting, sand and dust storm projections, multi-hazard early warning, water resource management and urban greening for climate change mitigation.
l Systematic and large-scale screening of livestock was also implemented to identify and eradicate animal disease.
l The protection of foreign workers was enhanced during the year through the promotion of ethical, transparent and responsible recruitment practices. Specifically, in close partnership with the Labour Market Regulatory Authority, both a post-arrival orientation for foreign workers and a nationwide awareness-raising campaign targeting employers and foreign workers were designed and developed.
l Approximately 150 government officials from various institutions were trained to combat and respond to trafficking in persons and cases of exploitation in the work environment.
l UNCT supported the development of over 1,600 business plans through its programmes and initiatives attracting $20 million in estimated investments. About 20pc of all business plans were for Bahraini entrepreneurs, which brought $12m in investments and resulted in the creation of 225 jobs in Bahrain.
The document mentions the total expenditure of the UNCT amounted to $4.2m last year of which about one-third was directed towards activities focused on economic diversification, public administration and resilience.
In terms of funding sources, about half of the expenditure was incurred from financial contributions made by the government.
Mr El Mekwad stated in the report to further strengthen their role, they have initiated discussions with the Bahrain government to establish a pooled country fund.
“As advocates of progress, we in Bahrain firmly support the UN development system reforms led by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Our collaboration with the UN country team is driven by our mutual goal of achieving the Economic Vision 2030, the Government of Bahrain’s 2019-2022 Action Plan, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as well as our national objectives,” said Foreign Ministry Under-Secretary for Political Affairs Dr Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa.
sandy@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))