Bahrain has made measurable progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with new reporting pointing to advances in health, climate action, economic diversification and social inclusion. The 2025 Country Results Report reviews the work of the UN Country Team in Bahrain, made up of 22 agencies working with the government on development priorities. It links the kingdom’s recent achievements to Economic Vision 2030, including growth in non-oil sectors such as financial services, communications and logistics. The report also notes continuing challenges, including youth unemployment, wider private-sector participation by women, fiscal sustainability and the impact of regional instability on trade and labour markets.
Framework for development
The report covers the first full year of Bahrain’s Sustainable Development Co-operation Framework with the UN, signed in 2024 and running from 2025 to 2029. Its priorities are organised around four areas: people, prosperity, peace and the planet.
Bahrain’s international role was also highlighted, including its election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2026-2027 and its chairmanship of the GCC Supreme Council.
Funding and priority goals
The UN team’s programme needs were estimated at more than $13.8 million, with about $6m spent. Government spending was listed at roughly $1.2m, private-sector support exceeded $950,000, and UN core funding was above $2.1m.
The largest areas of spending supported decent work and economic growth, climate action, and good health and wellbeing.
Key achievements recorded
- Muharraq and the Southern Governorate received Healthy Cities recognition, while two more universities were designated health-promoting institutions.
- Bahrain met its 2025 Montreal Protocol target by phasing out 41.09 ozone-depleting potential tonnes of HCFCs.
- A national water awareness drive reached nearly one million people, with many respondents saying conservation messages influenced them.
- Support was provided for fisheries management, food security planning, urban forestry, afforestation and climate monitoring.
- Women-focused technology programmes backed more than 50 start-ups and awarded over $305,000 to 19 ventures.
Regional risks remain
The report warns that conflict and uncertainty in the region may affect markets, migration and development planning. UN officials said the partnership with Bahrain remains important as the country works to protect vulnerable groups and maintain progress towards the 2030 goals.
Leave feedback about this