Vice Premier of China – Dejiang
Zhang,
Excellencies,
Ladies & Gentlemen,
It gives me great pleasure in being here today at this international gathering, and to have this opportunity to greet such an outstanding host of figures who have taken the responsibility of pursuing the process of urbanization and implementing balanced and sustainable development, and where appropriate, observed environmental and human related concerns.
I would also like to express my deep appreciation for your efforts in promoting individual and collective initiatives that are aimed at improving the living conditions of the world population, so that human beings are able to enjoy a decent life.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Today, more than half of the world’s population lives in cities, with urbanization rates rising and expected to reach 70% by 2050. Based on this fact, I call for the establishment of an overall strategic proposal to foster sustainable urban development and to support countries of the third world in this area.
The international community today has a great responsibility, especially in the underlying shadow of a global financial crisis which could prove detrimental to whatever has been accomplished in terms of the Millennium Development Goals.
The Fourth World Urban Forum, in its sessions on harmonious cities, holds great importance for the current challenges which require it to actively help the needy communities build up their capabilities, and enhance partnerships aimed at implementing sustainable development
Realizing the importance of planning in our world, the Kingdom of Bahrain has laid down a structural strategic plan that charts use of land until 2030 where large areas are allocated for future residential and construction projects, and for other relevant public service facilities.
We strongly believe that development is in the common interests of the people, and therefore implementing our citizens' prosperity, and meeting their aspirations, are the turning point of development efforts.
The international recognition of Bahrain's efforts by granting it the 2006 United Nations' Special Citation of the Habitat Scroll of Honor Award was further motivation to continue our efforts in the same direction.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Having recognized the importance of the efforts of the United Nations Human Settlements Program that are aimed at implementing the new Millenniums' goals, we have taken the initiative and decided to launch an annual award, overseen by U.N. Habitat, to encourage innovative ideas with respect to urban development. This Award, which is intended to honor the best habitat development-related practices, comes in conjunction with other global endeavors to boost relevant and outstanding programs and projects.
It is a great pleasure for me to take part in this ceremony and to grant the Award for the first time ever, to the Burkina Faso Green Country project. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the winning project and extend my appreciation to the project organizers for the ground-breaking ideas they have presented and which made it the leading and distinguished model of best practices in the field, in terms of handling urban and habitat related difficulties.
Finally, I would like to express my deep appreciation and thanks to the Chinese Government for having hosted the World Urban Forum. My thanks also go the UN Under-Secretary General and the Executive Director of UN-HABITAT, and to the staff of the Forum's Secretariat General as well as organizers.
I wish you all success.
God's peace and blessings be upon all of you.
Excellencies,
Ladies & Gentlemen,
It gives me great pleasure in being here today at this international gathering, and to have this opportunity to greet such an outstanding host of figures who have taken the responsibility of pursuing the process of urbanization and implementing balanced and sustainable development, and where appropriate, observed environmental and human related concerns.
I would also like to express my deep appreciation for your efforts in promoting individual and collective initiatives that are aimed at improving the living conditions of the world population, so that human beings are able to enjoy a decent life.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Today, more than half of the world’s population lives in cities, with urbanization rates rising and expected to reach 70% by 2050. Based on this fact, I call for the establishment of an overall strategic proposal to foster sustainable urban development and to support countries of the third world in this area.
The international community today has a great responsibility, especially in the underlying shadow of a global financial crisis which could prove detrimental to whatever has been accomplished in terms of the Millennium Development Goals.
The Fourth World Urban Forum, in its sessions on harmonious cities, holds great importance for the current challenges which require it to actively help the needy communities build up their capabilities, and enhance partnerships aimed at implementing sustainable development
Realizing the importance of planning in our world, the Kingdom of Bahrain has laid down a structural strategic plan that charts use of land until 2030 where large areas are allocated for future residential and construction projects, and for other relevant public service facilities.
We strongly believe that development is in the common interests of the people, and therefore implementing our citizens' prosperity, and meeting their aspirations, are the turning point of development efforts.
The international recognition of Bahrain's efforts by granting it the 2006 United Nations' Special Citation of the Habitat Scroll of Honor Award was further motivation to continue our efforts in the same direction.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Having recognized the importance of the efforts of the United Nations Human Settlements Program that are aimed at implementing the new Millenniums' goals, we have taken the initiative and decided to launch an annual award, overseen by U.N. Habitat, to encourage innovative ideas with respect to urban development. This Award, which is intended to honor the best habitat development-related practices, comes in conjunction with other global endeavors to boost relevant and outstanding programs and projects.
It is a great pleasure for me to take part in this ceremony and to grant the Award for the first time ever, to the Burkina Faso Green Country project. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the winning project and extend my appreciation to the project organizers for the ground-breaking ideas they have presented and which made it the leading and distinguished model of best practices in the field, in terms of handling urban and habitat related difficulties.
Finally, I would like to express my deep appreciation and thanks to the Chinese Government for having hosted the World Urban Forum. My thanks also go the UN Under-Secretary General and the Executive Director of UN-HABITAT, and to the staff of the Forum's Secretariat General as well as organizers.
I wish you all success.
God's peace and blessings be upon all of you.
