Dana Imad Hamzah, Assistant Undersecretary for Sustainable Development at the Ministry of Sustainable Development participated in the opening session of the ministerial segment of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF 2025) at the UN Headquarters in New York from 21 to 24 July 2025, in the presence of Ambassador Jamal Fares Al Ruwaiei, the Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United Nations in New York.
Under the auspices of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), this annual forum serves as a global platform that brings together representatives of governments, international organisations, and civil society to exchange best practices in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It addresses shared challenges to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reviews national progress through Voluntary National Reviews presented by countries.
This year’s forum was held under the theme: "Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals for leaving no one behind." During the opening session, keynote speeches were delivered by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, Philémon Yang, President of the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly and Bob Rae, President of ECOSOC. The speakers highlighted the importance of strengthening international partnerships to accelerate progress towards achieving sustainable development goals and the need to harness digital innovation, science, data, and local capacity while promoting inclusive global cooperation to create a more prosperous and resilient future for all.
During the high-level General Debate convened under the theme "The UN at 80: Catalysing Change for Sustainable Development," Hamzah delivered Bahrain’s national statement underscoring the Kingdom’s steadfast commitment to the 2030 Agenda and its goals, while highlighting Bahrain’s efforts to advance inclusive, science-driven sustainable solutions.
She highlighted the Kingdom’s notable economic achievements in recent years, driven by strategic national plans and a diversified economy supported by advanced digital infrastructure. Hamzah also underscored the role of Bahrain’s inclusive financial system in positioning the country as a regional leader in financial technology, fueled by innovation, digital transformation and the adoption of AI tools.
She further highlighted Bahrain’s advancement in modernising healthcare infrastructure and harnessing scientific innovation and data-driven technologies. Hamzah concluded her remarks by underscoring Bahrain’s strong belief in the importance of international partnerships in achieving sustainable development and peace, highlighting Bahrain’s active engagement on the global stage, including its election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the term 2026 – 2027.