The Bahrain Strategic, International and Energy Studies Centre (DERASAT) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP) have signed a cooperation agreement to prepare Bahrain’s Human Development Report 2018. The agreement was signed by DERASAT Board of Trustees Chairman Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa and the UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative, Amin El Sharkawi.

The Bahrain Human Development Report will addresses sustainable economic growth and highlighting its tracks, in line with Bahrain’s Economic Vision, 2030, which is based on the principles of sustainability, fairness and competitiveness, as well as the topics of the 2015-2018 Government Action Plan 2015-2018.

The necessary data will be provided by the national statistical institutions. The project will support Bahrain’s sustainable development efforts, contribute to improving the quality of services delivered to the citizens and highlight the best institutional practices.

It will also be a main source for Bahrain’s National Report on the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS), which will be presented at the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)’s High-level political forum on sustainable development, 2018 DERASAT board chairman stressed that the importance of the Kingdom’s Human Development Report 2018 stems from the fact that it coincides with the 10th Anniversary of the launch of the Bahrain Economic Vision, 2030, by HM the King in 2008, noting that the report will provide an opportunity to highlight Bahrain’s landmark human development achievements thanks to which it ranks high internationally, as proved by the 2016 Human Development Report. The report will also benefit the kingdom while preparing the Government Action Plan 2019-2022, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla said.He also praised the existing fruitful cooperation with UNDP. UNDP’s Amin El Sharkawi praised highlighted the importance of the Human Development Report in consolidating development and prosperity for the citizens of Bahrain.

The report is in accordance with the basic human development principles as it provides an in-depth and integrated analysis of the progress made in this regard.