03/04/2008
Nairobi

The Kingdom of Bahrain on Thursday made a donation of one million US dollars to UN-HABITAT towards various activities including establishing innovative mechanisms for pro-poor housing finance.

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 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 WUF preparations.

He also reminded the gathering of the Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa Habitat Award announced last year consisting of 100,000 US dollars, a certificate and a trophy. It will seek to “promote the ideals and principles of good governance in the context of housing and urban development with a focus on equity.”

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 by ensuring that the donation is put to the use intended,” she said.

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