Bahrain donates $1 million to UN-HABITAT – Press release

Bahrain donates USD 1 million to UN-HABITAT

Nairobi- The Kingdom of Bahrain on Thursday made a donation of one million US dollars to UN-HABITAT towards various activities including the agency's ERSO Trust fund which aims to establish innovative mechanisms for pro-poor housing finance and also towards the Trust Fund of the Special Human Settlements Programme of the Palestinian People.

At the regular meeting of UN-HABITAT's Committee of Permanent representatives, the head of the Bahraini delegation Sheikh Hussam Bin Isa Al Khalifa said that the decision to extend a further tranche of one millions US dollars after a similar one last year was informed by a keen interest in the work of UN-HABITAT.

'It is, therefore, my pleasure to inform this meeting that the kingdom of Bahrain is renewing its financial support to UN-HABITAT with a contribution of USD 1 million for 2008,' Sheikh Hussam said. Breaking down the allocation, Sheikh Hussam announced that 500,000 US dollars will be earmarked to the Experimental Reimbursable Seeding (ERSO) Trust Fund; 250,000 US dollars to go to the Trust Fund of the Special Human Settlements Programme of the Palestinian People while the remaining 250,000 US dollars will finance other UN-HABITAT activities including supporting the next World Urban Forum preparations.

In response, UN-HABITAT Executive Director Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka said that the agency was honoured by the gesture of Bahrain. 'To us this is a major vote of confidence and we will not let the government and people of Bahrain down; the donation will be critical in helping UN-HABITAT meet its goal of improving shelter for all,' she said.

Sheikh Husam also reminded the delegates that the kingdom of Bahrain was collaborating with UN-HABITAT on the recently established Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa UN-HABITAT Award. The award consists of 100,000 US dollars, a certificate and a trophy and seeks to 'promote the ideals and principles of good governance in the context of housing and urban development with a focus on equity.' The first award will be given on the occasion of the World Urban Forum 4 in Nanjing.

Sheikh Hussam also presented to the Executive Director his credentials as the Permanent Representative of Kingdom of Bahrain to UN-HABITAT.

* *** *