Sustainable Development Minister, Noor bint Ali Al-Khulaif, has affirmed that the Kingdom has accelerated its efforts to achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs), within the framework of the comprehensive development march, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and thanks to the follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
She highlighted the kingdom’s commitment to providing high-quality water, in accordance with the international standards set by the World Health Organisation, which were adopted by the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), noting that Bahrain’s efforts and endeavours aim to develop the necessary policies and programmes to protect and ensure the sustainability of water resources in order to achieve SDG 6, “clean water and sanitation”.
The minister made the statements while addressing the United Nations Conference on the Midterm Comprehensive Review of the Implementation of the Objectives of the International Decade for Action, “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018–2028, which is held at the UN premises here on March 22-24. The event focuses on accelerating progress towards achieving water-related goals and objectives.
In her speech, Al-Khulaif outlined the main pillars of the National Water Strategy 2030, which include strengthening coordination among various bodies related to water, following up and monitoring the implementation of activities, programmes and services, as well as increasing and spreading awareness among consumers, noting that the strategy aims to ensure effective management of water resources, and provide sustainable water supplies of the required quality for various economic sectors to promote sustainable development.
She also appreciated the selection of the Kingdom by the United Nations and its affiliated Food and Agriculture Organisation, to present its successful experience and progress in achieving SDG 6, “clean water and sanitation,” stressing that these achievements are the outcomes of concerted national efforts in providing renewable sources of water.
She indicated that by 2021, the Kingdom had been able to reduce the level of water stress to 156%, as it was able to reduce one-fifth of the withdrawal of fresh water in 2000, while, at the same time, increasing the efficiency of water use by 80%, which confirms the country’s commitment to sustainable water management.
Source: Bahrain News Agency