Premier receives UN Habitat Award
The Prime Minister, Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, received the UN-Habitat Award for 2006 during a special ceremony in Geneva yesterday.
Shaikh Khalifa affirmed that the award is an honour for the late Amir of Bahrain, Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, and a recognition for the efforts and achievements of His Majesty the King, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and all Bahrainis.
The Premier announced the launch of an award sponsored by him and supervised by the UN-Habitat programme for the best researchers in the fields that serve the UN-Habitat goals.
Shaikh Khalifa stressed that he has always been keen on developing the standards of living of citizens by developing the national economy and focusing on developing economic sector. He affirmed that the government has implemented a comprehensive housing project to provide citizens with modern housing facilities.
The Premier said that the government and citizens cooperated to develop the standards of living and combat poverty to achieve this international recognition. He affirmed that the award brings pride for all the citizens. The UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, congratulated Shaikh Khalifa and the successful procedures taken by the Bahraini government to combat poverty and develop the Kingdom's economy. He affirmed that Bahrain is a model to look up to by all the other countries regarding its effective policies in combating poverty and the comprehensive development.
The UN Undersecretary-General and Executive Director of the UN-Habitat, Dr Anna Kajumulo Tibaijuka, lauded Bahrain's achievements in all areas and affirmed that Shaikh Khalifa played a major role in developing the living standards of Bahraini citizens and upgrading the housing facilities in all the villages and towns.
Tibaijuka stressed that presenting the award to Shaikh Khalifa is a recognition for his efforts throughout three decades in developing the human resources and combating poverty.
The President of the UN General Assembly, Shaikha Haya bint Rashid Al Khalifa, hailed the international recognition for the Premier's efforts in boosting the economic and social development in Bahrain.
Later, Shaikh Khalifa and Ban Ki-moon inaugurated Bahrain Exhibition held at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva where a number of the Kingdom's ministries showcased Bahrain's various achievements.
The Premier reiterated that the development process in Bahrain under the leadership of HM the King will continue to ensure all citizens with better living standards.
Meanwhile, the Economic and Social Council hosted a luncheon in honour of Shaikh Khalifa. Present were the Deputy Prime Minister, Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, the Deputy Prime Minister, Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Ban Ki-moon, Shaikha Haya, and a number of senior officials.
© Bahrain Tribune 2007
