NAPOLI – On the sidelines of the 6th World Urban Forum, the Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry signed here Tuesday a cooperation agreement in the field of Sustainable Urban Environment (SUE) with the United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat). The agreement, according to which the kingdom will host UN-Habitat's regional office, was signed by the Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Dr. Joma'a bin Ahmed Al Ka'abi on behalf of Bahrain and UN-Habitat's Executive Director Dr. Joan Clos. Chairperson of Kuwait's Volunteer Centre Sheikha Amthal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and a number of UN-Habitat's officials were present at the signing ceremony. Commenting on the event, the Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry asserted that the agreement is in line with Prime minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa's directives to develop and consolidate sustainable urban environment in the kingdom. The ministry also indicated that the UN-Habitat's regional office was opened in light of the growing impacts of urbanization and climate change requiring local and regional sides to work together in order to put forward the necessary plans, adding that the office will provide specialized urbanization and sustainable development programs and invite high-level experts to give an update on the latest innovations in the urban field, future challenges and reasons for climate change. It also affirmed that the office will provide highly important services for the kingdom, address the growing urban problems and consolidate sustainable cities in the region, which will enable it to preserve its cultural and spiritual heritage and ensure a better future for the next generations. The Ministry also affirmed that although the kingdom has made remarkable achievements regarding the Millennium Development Goals, especially regarding mainly combating poverty, health, education and women's rights, it is still doing its utmost to achieve the remaining MDGs. – SG?
