On September 27, 2018, the Kingdom of Bahrain and Global Security Institute hosted the ‘Bahrain Visions Forum: Shared Vision Towards a Successful, Sustainable Future’ at the United Nations in New York, on the side of the UN General Assembly 73rd meeting.
Participants included UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, His Excellency Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmad bin Mohammad Al Khalifa, Minister of Foreign Affairs,His Excellency Mohammad Ibrahim al-Mutawa, Minister of Cabinet Affairs (pictured above), with His Excellency Abdullatif bin Rashid al-Zayani, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and His Excellency Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary General of the Arab League, as well as UN officials, UN Ambassadors, diplomats, and journalists.
Ms. Mohammed spoke, thanking the Government of Bahrain and the Global Security Institute for their continued support and for hosting this Forum, and addressing the role of women in forward progress in all regions.
“Conflicts are the biggest obstacle to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the largest cause of humanitarian suffering,” she said. “Nearly all those in need of humanitarian assistance, and about half of the extreme poor, live in countries affected by conflict and fragility ‑ and this proportion is expected to rise…
“The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) address many drivers of armed conflict. SDG 5 on gender equality and women’s empowerment is not only essential in itself and an enabler for all the Goals, but also a vital component of sustaining peace. Women’s participation in decision-making at all levels makes peace agreements stronger, societies more resilient and economies more vigorous.
“To respond to these complex, multidimensional challenges, we need to support Governments simultaneously on peace and security, humanitarian and development aid, and human rights. I applaud the Government of Bahrain for establishing the Supreme Council for Women ‑ an advisory body to the Government on women’s issues.” (read more)
His Excellency Abdullatif bin Rashid al-Zayani, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) spoke of a vision of the region’s future based on solidarity and mutual dependence, and a shared vision for security, stability and prosperity. He emphasized the necessity for the region to embrace people of all religions and sects, creating an environment of sustainable security and stability. (read more)
HE Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain, referenced the forum in his address to the UN General Assembly, as an example of initiatives that “reflect the policy of the Kingdom of Bahrain and its faith in partnership and cooperation with the international community to overcome all challenges.”
Read the concept paper on the forum
Jonathan Granoff is the President of the Global Security Institute, a representative to United Nations of the World Summits of Nobel Peace Laureates, a former Adjunct Professor of International Law at Widener University School of Law, and Senior Advisor to the Committee on National Security American Bar Association International Law Section.
