SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities in Bahrain and Government Initiatives

 

Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11) aims to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. As an urbanized and rapidly developing nation, Bahrain is actively working toward SDG 11 by investing in sustainable urban planning, enhancing public infrastructure, and promoting environmental sustainability. The government’s vision for sustainable cities aligns with Bahrain Vision 2030, emphasizing a high quality of life, environmental stewardship, and the integration of advanced technology in urban development.

 

Key government initiatives supporting SDG 11 include:

 

Sustainable Urban Development and Smart City Projects: The Bahraini government is developing smart city infrastructure to optimize public services and promote sustainable urban living. Initiatives such as the ’Smart Bahrain’ project integrate digital technologies in public services, including traffic management, public safety, and utilities, enhancing efficiency and reducing the environmental impact of urban operations.

 

Affordable and Sustainable Housing: Bahrain’s Ministry of Housing offers various affordable housing projects to provide citizens with sustainable living options. The government is building environmentally friendly housing that incorporates green building standards, energy efficiency, and optimized water usage. This effort ensures that citizens have access to affordable, safe, and eco-friendly housing options.

 

Transportation and Mobility Improvements: The government is committed to improving public transportation as part of its sustainable urban planning. The Bahrain Metro project is an essential step in this direction, aiming to reduce traffic congestion, lower emissions, and provide an accessible, efficient mode of transportation. Additionally, initiatives like expanding bus services and introducing cycling paths contribute to sustainable and inclusive mobility.

 

Waste Management and Environmental Sustainability: Bahrain has implemented strict waste management policies to minimize waste and promote recycling. Public awareness campaigns encourage citizens to adopt sustainable practices, while recycling programs are expanding across the country. Additionally, Bahrain’s environmental policies focus on reducing pollution, preserving marine and land ecosystems, and maintaining public spaces to create greener urban areas.

 

Disaster Resilience and Climate Adaptation: Given Bahrain's exposure to rising sea levels, the government is developing resilience plans to protect coastal infrastructure and prepare for climate-related challenges. The Ministry of Environment and the Urban Planning and Development Authority are working to enhance disaster preparedness and ensure that urban areas can withstand climate impacts.

 

Through these initiatives, Bahrain is committed to creating sustainable cities and communities, enhancing quality of life, protecting the environment, and fostering resilience in its urban spaces.

 

SDG 11 at Ahlia University: Promoting Sustainability and Community Engagement

 

Ahlia University actively supports SDG 11 by fostering an environmentally conscious campus, promoting sustainability initiatives, and encouraging community engagement. The university’s commitment to sustainable development aligns with Bahrain’s national goals, contributing to the creation of inclusive and sustainable communities.

 

Sustainable Campus Initiatives: Ahlia University is committed to reducing its environmental footprint by implementing energy-efficient systems, promoting waste reduction, and encouraging responsible resource use. The campus is designed to optimize energy consumption, with practices such as efficient lighting, temperature control, and water-saving measures. These initiatives contribute to a greener and more sustainable campus environment.

 

Sustainability Education and Awareness: The university incorporates sustainability education into its curriculum and campus activities. Students are encouraged to engage in discussions and projects related to sustainable development, urban planning, and environmental preservation. Workshops and seminars on sustainable cities and green practices are organized regularly, raising awareness about the importance of sustainable communities.

 

Research in Urban Sustainability and Community Development: Ahlia University supports research in areas related to sustainable cities, environmental studies, and urban planning. Faculty and students engage in projects that explore sustainable infrastructure, waste management solutions, and resilient community planning, contributing valuable insights to Bahrain’s development goals.

 

Community Engagement and Volunteering: Ahlia University actively participates in community engagement activities that support local development and sustainability. The university’s student clubs organize community clean-ups, environmental awareness campaigns, and educational workshops in partnership with local organizations. These initiatives not only benefit the community but also encourage students to play an active role in promoting sustainable urban living.

 

Promoting Inclusive Spaces on Campus: Ahlia University is committed to creating an inclusive campus environment that supports students from diverse backgrounds. Facilities are accessible to students with disabilities, and the university promotes cultural events that celebrate diversity. This inclusive approach aligns with SDG 11 by fostering a supportive and welcoming community.

 

Through these efforts, Ahlia University contributes to SDG 11 by promoting sustainability, fostering community engagement, and supporting inclusive and resilient spaces on campus. The university’s initiatives align with Bahrain’s commitment to building sustainable cities and communities, preparing students to become responsible and engaged citizens who contribute to a sustainable future for Bahrain.

Features of Bahrain’s Civilization

https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/events/features-of-bahrains-civilization/

Under the patronage of Prof. Abdullah Yousuf Al-Hawaj, the Founding President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Ahlia University, Prof. Mansoor Al-Ali, President of Ahlia University, is pleased to invite you to attend the opening of the ’Features of Bahrain’s Civilization’ exhibition on Thursday, 9th November 2023, at 11:00 AM, at Ahlia University Campus (gate 2)

 

University Relevant Events

 

1.       Directly, Ahlia University in 2017 gave a conference in order to analyze the impact on the SDGs, in the same way to be able to have innovations, ideas, applications and plans in this context.’[1].

Figure 1 image from [1]

 

Figure 2 image from [1]

 

2.       Ahlia University has a strategic plan for the period 2016-2020, which is built on the institutional core values, such as Educational Opportunity, and Social Responsibility, and draws on a number of external reference points such as the Bahrain Economic Vision 2030, and the National Strategy for Higher Education’[2].

 

Ahlia University Strategic Plan (2016 ’ 2020) was developed by a team of officials of the Directorate based on a process of consultation across the University and echoes the input provided by several internal and external stakeholders as well taking into consideration regulatory standards. Progress in achieving the strategic objectives delineated in the strategic plan is monitored using the key strategic performance indicators and reported to the President and discussed at USPC regularly’[2].

 

Figure 3 image from [2]

 

In plan for the period 2016-2020, See the Themes and Strategic objectives

Figure 4 image from [2]

 

3.       Ahlia University, in its mission and vision, seeks to generate good professionals who can respond to the needs of the communities both nationally and internationally, by generating this type of people it contributes to improving the social stability of the countries, since by There will be more prepared professionals, there will be less unemployment, more evolution and more focus on sustaining and contributing each SDG

Between these different external reference points, and within the strategy roadmap, the concepts of ’sustainability’ and ’competitiveness’ are found to be among the most prevalent themes. Ahlia University’s mission is encapsulated in the statement:

’As a leading institution for higher education, Ahlia University’s Mission is to move forward the frontiers of human knowledge and elevate the social and living standards of the society’[3]. In support of this mission, the University is committed to:

 

’                     Producing graduates who are distinguished by their professional competence, humanistic outlook and uncompromising ethics’[3].

’                     Providing the facilities and support for its staff to pursue innovative research. Establishing Ahlia University as an acknowledged center of excellence in certain fields of knowledge’[3].

’                     Working in partnership with local and regional communities to support societal and economic needs’[3].’

 

Figure 5 image from’[3]

 

4.       Recently the university has held virtual forums in order to create steps for the future, the forum will discuss HEI practices and reforms with a panel of experts and leaders from distinguished HEIs, Quality and Regulatory Authorities and the United Nations to ensure effective planning for sustainable development, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Higher education leaders and policymakers considered making decisions and changing strategies related to future teaching and learning, including blended learning and education sustainability in accordance with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals [4]’[5], The first session of the forum is shown below as it is made up of two parts.

Figure 6 image from [4]

 

4.1.   Below is the second part of the forum focused on new practices for the sustainability of learning in times of the pandemic and the challenges to develop new strategies aimed at the SDGs’[6].

 

Figure 7 image from [6]

Figure 8 image from [5]

 

Ahlia University is subject to the needs of its community and how they are affecting its surroundings, how the university can also collaborate in its social environment so that everyone is flattered and feel proud of their city, for this reason AU feels so dedicated to his country and his city because during these years what he has helped is to make everything a better place for everyone.

 

Bahrain Government Initiatives

More than half of the world’s population now live in urban areas. By 2050, that figure will have risen to 6.5 billion people ’ two-thirds of all humanity. Sustainable development cannot be achieved without significantly transforming the way we build and manage our urban spaces.

 

In 1990, there were ten mega-cities with 10 million inhabitants or more. In 2014, there are 28 mega-cities, home to a total 453 million people. The rapid growth of cities in the developing world, coupled with increasing rural to urban migration, has led to this boom in mega-cities.

 

The Arab region is rapidly urbanizing with the urbanization rate growing at an average rate of 2.5 percent per year (2015 estimates). Today, more than half of the Arab population (57 percent) lives in urban areas with great variance across the region (99 and 98 percent in Qatar and in Kuwait, respectively; to 58 and 44 percent in Morocco and Egypt, respectively; down to 3 and 28 percent in Sudan and Comoros, respectively). Around 28 percent of all urban residents in the region are living in slums or informal settlements and in the least developed countries of the region, almost two thirds of urban residents live in slums.

 

Extreme poverty is often concentrated in urban spaces, and national and city governments struggle to accommodate the rising population in these areas. Making cities safe and sustainable means ensuring access to safe and affordable housing, and upgrading slum settlements. It also involves investment in public transport, creating green public spaces, and improving urban planning and management in a way that is both participatory and inclusive [7].

 

Figure 9 Image from [7]

 

Government [8]

Cities are hubs for ideas, commerce, culture, science, productivity, social development and much more. At their best, cities have enabled people to advance socially and economically.

 

However, many challenges exist to maintaining cities in a way that continues to create jobs and prosperity while not straining land and resources. Common urban challenges include congestion, lack of funds to provide basic services, a shortage of adequate housing and declining infrastructure.

 

The challenges cities face can be overcome in ways that allow them to continue to thrive and grow, while improving resource use and reducing pollution and poverty. The future we want includes cities of opportunities for all, with access to basic services, energy, housing, transportation and more.

’

Responsible Entities to Achieve the Goal and Monitor Achievement Levels:

’         Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs & Urban Planning

’         Ministry of Housing

’         Supreme Council for Environment

’         Ministry of Interior

’         Information & eGovernment Authority

’         Ministry of Transportation & Telecommunications

 

 

Policies and Strategies Supporting the Eleventh Goal

The housing strategy [9] is in line with Bahrain's vision, as it is contributing to raising the standard of living of the citizens by the continuation of the provision and improvement of the housing services. In addition, it is closely related to the social support programs listed as part of the national economic strategy.

 

Mazaya Housing Programme

A new housing program [10] has been adopted that provides the eligible citizens with the potential to receive financing from the private sector, supported by the government stakeholders in order to allow the citizens to buy private housing units.