Bahrain's Crown Prince Commends National Cadres for Global Development Contributions

Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, praised national cadres for their significant contributions to international development efforts during a meeting at Sakhir Palace in Manama.

The Crown Prince highlighted the dedication and hard work of Bahraini professionals in various sectors, emphasizing their role in advancing Bahrain's presence on the global stage.

Why this matters: The recognition of Bahrain's national cadres' contributions to international development efforts highlights the country's commitment to advancing its global presence and promoting sustainable development. This achievement can lead to increased collaboration and investment opportunities for Bahrain, further enhancing its economic growth and regional influence.

One of the notable achievements mentioned was the Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) receiving the prestigious Champions Award at the United Nations' World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) 2024.

The National Portal, initially launched in 2007, has undergone several upgrades and now offers information on over 1,300 government services and 680 eServices. It features seamless electronic integration with more than 40 public and private entities, attracting over 1.5 million visits monthly. Key functionalities include user profile personalization, a favorite eServices list, government notifications, transaction history, and a smart assistant chatbot. The portal supports multiple payment methods, including BenefitPay and Apple Pay, ensuring secure transactions.

Mohammed Ali Al Qaed, the iGA Chief Executive, expressed satisfaction in this achievement, attributing it to the directives of General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for Information and Communication Technology (MCICT). Al Qaed also acknowledged the significant contributions and cooperation of portal users with the iGA.

The WSIS 2024 ceremony, held in Geneva, Switzerland, is an annual event organized by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) to highlight digital projects that contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This event is co-organized by ITU, UNESCO, UNDP, and UNCTAD.

In addition to the recognition at WSIS 2024, the Arabian Gulf University (AGU) will hold its 18th graduation ceremony on June 23rd at Exhibition World Bahrain. The event, under the patronage of the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, will see 279 students graduating, including 182 from the College of Medicine and Medical Sciences and 97 from the College of Graduate Studies.

AGU has been a significant contributor to the health sector in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries since its establishment in 1980. It has provided 3,527 graduate doctors and 1,967 graduates with higher diplomas, master's, and PhD degrees, enhancing development in various sectors such as education, innovation, technology management, environmental sciences, and life sciences.

To recap, the commendations by Bahrain's Crown Prince and Prime Minister reflect the country's commitment to international development and the recognition of its national cadres' efforts. The achievements of the iGA and AGU highlight Bahrain's strides in digital innovation and education.

Key Takeaways

• Bahrain's Crown Prince praises national cadres for contributions to international development.
• iGA wins Champions Award at WSIS 2024 for revamped national portal.
• National Portal offers 1,300+ government services, 680 eServices, and attracts 1.5M monthly visits.
• AGU to hold 18th graduation ceremony, with 279 students graduating in medicine and graduate studies.
• Bahrain's achievements reflect commitment to sustainable development, digital innovation, and education.