News
The Minister of Social Development meets members of the Board of Directors of the Association of Administrators
07-06-2023
His Excellency Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfoor, Minister of Social Development, received Dr. Lulwa Al-Mutlaq, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bahrain Administrative Association, in the presence of a number of members of the Board of Directors, on the occasion of the election of the new Board of Directors for the years 2022-2024. During the meeting, the association's strategic plan aimed at qualifying young people to assume administrative and leadership supervisory positions was reviewed, in cooperation with the relevant authorities, to enhance the development of administrative practices in various institutions and organizations, by providing modern initiatives that keep pace with digital sustainability, in addition to strengthening ways of cooperation with the ministry to achieve the development goals of the association. For his part, Minister Al-Asfoor congratulated the Chairman and members of the Board of Directors for the General Assembly's confidence in electing them for a new session, praising the institutional and developmental efforts of the Association and its endeavor to empower young people in the administrative and leadership fields, stressing the Ministry's keenness to promote the effective initiatives adopted by civil society organizations, to integrate national efforts in order to maintain development and social work.
n implementation of the directive of His Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister to double the allocations.. The Ministry of Social Development: Transferring the amounts of severe disability allo
05-06-2023
His Excellency Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfoor, Minister of Social Development, affirmed that the Kingdom of Bahrain, in fulfillment of the visions of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the country's great monarch, may God protect and preserve him, and the follow-up and interest of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, may God protect him, places at the top of its priorities the building of an advanced social protection system, to consolidate the country's renaissance and ensure the sustainability of its comprehensive development path. Al-Asfoor appreciated the directive of His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, may God protect him, during today's cabinet session, to double the disbursement of allowances for people with severe disabilities by 200 dinars per month, which confirms His Highness' constant keenness to secure high-quality social services for the various segments of Bahraini society, stressing in this regard that the Ministry of Social Development immediately started implementing His Highness's directive, and the funds will be transferred to the beneficiaries of determination in their bank accounts on June 15.
A cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Social Development and Al-Rashed Group to grant disabled a discount in shops
04-06-2023
His Excellency Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfour, Minister of Social Development, stressed the importance of strengthening effective partnership and expanding horizons of cooperation with various sectors, in order to integrate national efforts that pour into the development of society, and to improve the quality of development services provided by the Ministry, within the framework of strengthening protection and social care. This came during the signing of an agreement by the Ministry of Social Development with Al-Rashed Group Company, in the presence of the company's regional president, Mr. Sandeep Narain, which aims to grant holders of the identity card integrated with the ID of persons with disabilities a 15% discount when purchasing from all shops affiliated with Al-Rashed Group Company, which owns more than 30 shops and 3 commercial centers in addition to independent stores. His Excellency the Minister praised the initiative of Al-Rashed Group Company and its keenness to enhance partnership and social responsibility to achieve social solidarity among members of society, pointing out that the Kingdom of Bahrain has many successful experiences in social responsibility applications aimed at consolidating the concept of protection and care, and empowering individuals, in a way that contributes towards meeting the needs of different groups, stressing in this context that the Ministry will continue to provide more initiatives that contribute to promoting the integration of people with determination into society, by facilitating and providing various quality services.
The Kingdom of Bahrain presides over the sixth high-level conference on child rights. Ministry of Social Development: Improving the conditions of childhood at various levels
03-06-2023
The Kingdom of Bahrain, represented by the National Committee for Childhood, chaired by His Excellency Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfoor, Minister of Social Development, chaired the work of the sixth high-level conference on child rights "An effective and sustainable development investment that guarantees the rights of the Arab child", which was held by the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States, through visual communication technology, with the participation of ministers of social affairs and relevant regional and international organizations. This conference comes in implementation of the decision of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs in its (42nd) session, and the recommendation issued by the (26th) session of the Arab Childhood Committee headed by the Kingdom of Bahrain, where it discussed the most important challenges and issues facing children in the Arab region, in addition to highlighting the axes and goals of the development agenda for investment in childhood in the Arab world 2015-2030. National efforts to achieve sustainable development goals were also discussed. In her speech, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Development, Ms. Sahar Rashid Al-Mannai, reviewed the efforts of the Kingdom of Bahrain to improve the fields of childhood, which contributed positively to the development of the conditions of this category at the various legal, social, educational and cultural levels, in light of the wise directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the great King of the country, may God protect and preserve him, and a translation of the vision of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, may God protect him, and with the concerted efforts of all official and unofficial bodies. She said that the Kingdom of Bahrain is considered one of the leading countries in codifying the rights of the child, through the issuance of many laws and legislations regulating the guarantee of children's rights, the most prominent of which is His Majesty the King's approval of Law No. (4) of 2021 regarding the issuance of the Correctional Justice Law for Children and their protection from abuse, in addition to allocating the Child Protection Center as a central authority that handles reports of any child being abused, physically and psychologically abused, neglected, and sexually abused. The Undersecretary also reviewed the efforts of the Kingdom of Bahrain in the health field, to provide high-quality health care and services, in accordance with the standards and recommendations of the World Health Organization, in addition to highlighting its efforts in the educational field, to ensure that all children, boys and girls, receive their right to free and advanced education, as well as the national efforts in preserving the basic rights of the child that children should enjoy anywhere and without discrimination. In this regard, she referred to the results achieved by those national efforts, through the Kingdom's ranking second in the Arab world in the Human Capital Index of the World Bank for the past year 2022, which focused on the health and education sectors, stressing that the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain pays great and exceptional attention to the file of childhood, as it is an integral part of the national constants, and it is determined to continue its busy path in promoting the protection of children's rights in all circumstances.
The Committee for Equal Opportunities at the Ministry of Social Development holds its second meeting
02-06-2023
Ms. Enas Mohamed Al-Majed, Assistant Undersecretary for Community Development at the Ministry of Social Development, chaired the second meeting of the Equal Opportunities Committee, to discuss the committee's operational plans during the current year 2023. During the meeting, the Assistant Undersecretary for Community Development affirmed the committee's keenness to formulate its plans to ensure the promotion of the principles of equal opportunities, and in line with the integration of women's needs in a way that contributes to the consolidation of gender balance in all policies, strategies and initiatives, noting in this context the importance of building the capacities of civil society organizations, as well as developing institutional work to integrate women's needs, and the sustainability of applying methodologies to spread a culture of equal opportunities. She also indicated the importance of continuing to review the plans of the committee's initiatives, and the extent to which they achieve their goals and their compatibility with the indicators of the national report, in cooperation and coordination with the Supreme Council for Women.
Under the chairmanship of the Minister of Social Development, the Family House for Microfinance is holding its second meeting during the current year
01-06-2023
His Excellency Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfour, Minister of Social Development, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Family House for Microfinance, presided over the second meeting of the Board of Directors for the current year, in the presence of the Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dr. Mustafa Al-Sayed, and the CEO of the Family House, Dr. Khaled Ateeq, and members of the Board of Directors. In this regard, Minister Al-Asfour stressed the importance of providing the best sustainable development practices by applying the concepts of social economy related to the projects of community members, praising the efforts of the Family House microfinance team in achieving more positive results, noting the keenness to consolidate the policy of cooperation with all parties related to financing for micro projects. During the meeting, the minutes of the Board of Directors meeting held last March were approved, and the Family House performance report and financial statements were discussed, as well as the risk and corporate governance report for the first quarter of the year 2023. Ways of sustaining development projects and development services provided by the Foundation to its clients were also discussed, and all administrative measures that contribute to the continuation of its developmental performance efficiently are taken.
The Minister of Social Development meets the Consul General of Ethiopia to Bahrain
31-05-2023
His Excellency Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfoor, Minister of Social Development, Consul General of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the Kingdom of Bahrain, received His Excellency Mr. Sheferu Gente Gina. During the meeting, issues of common interest were discussed, including Bahrain's efforts to strengthen the system of protection and social care for the various segments of society, in addition to the implementation of many development initiatives and projects. For his part, the Consul General praised the strong relations between the two friendly countries, praising the progress and development of the Kingdom of Bahrain on the social level, stressing his country's keenness to strengthen relations with the Kingdom and cooperation in various development fields.
During participation in the Parliamentary Forum "Towards Empowerment and Participation" Al-Asfoor: The Kingdom of Bahrain is one of the leading countries in the field of integrating and empowering peo
31-05-2023
His Excellency the Minister of Social Development, Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfoor, participated in the Parliamentary Forum for the Care of Persons with Disabilities "Towards Empowerment and Participation", which was organized by the Parliament under the auspices of the Speaker of the Parliament, His Excellency Mr. Ahmed bin Salman Al-Musallam, and in the presence of a number of members of the Shura and Parliament, private and civil institutions and relevant community figures. During his speech, Minister Al-Asfoor praised the topic of the forum, which reflects the extent of interest that the House of Representatives attaches to the people of determination, pointing out that this human interest in all its dimensions has become a solid culture, and an effective translation of the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the great King of the country, may God protect and preserve him, and with the support and continuous support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, may God protect him, by providing all the sponsorship and rehabilitation capabilities that support them, so that they can To participate in community life in all its fields, as well as to safeguard their national rights. He stressed that the Kingdom of Bahrain is one of the pioneering countries in the field of integrating and empowering them, as it has made tangible achievements in terms of promoting and supporting their rights in all social and development fields, whether in terms of international agreements and legislation guaranteeing the protection of their rights, or in terms of implementing community partnership projects with various state institutions, which believe in the importance of its social responsibility towards this important group in society. He also referred to updating the executive plan for the National Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, for the five years (2023-2027), in line with Bahrain's qualitative achievements that serve this category, through which more projects and programs supporting their rights will continue to be implemented, in partnership and cooperation with all official and private bodies concerned with their affairs. Noting in this regard that this strategy represents a comprehensive vision and an integrated national framework, which reflects the commitment of the esteemed government to care for and guarantee their rights, pointing out that this plan aspires to create a Bahraini society based on the principle of integration, in which citizens of this category that are dear to us will be able to exercise all their rights in a fair and equal manner, based on the approach based on human rights, which is based on the principles contained in the Charter of the United Nations, as well as the relevant international agreement.
Affirming keenness to strengthen international efforts to protect children, the Kingdom of Bahrain participates in the 42nd session of the Council of Arab Social Ministers
28-05-2023
The Kingdom of Bahrain, represented by the Ministry of Social Development, participated in the regional conference on preventing grave violations against children in armed conflicts, which was held under the chairmanship of the sisterly State of Qatar for the forty-second session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs of the League of Arab States, through visual communication technology, and with the participation of Arab countries in the Council and specialized international organizations. During the sessions, a number of themes were discussed, foremost of which was a session entitled "Regional Best Practices on Preventing Grave Violations Against Children in Armed Conflict", while the second session was on "Emerging Thematic Issues to Advance the Protection of Children and Prevent Grave Violations", and the last session on strengthening regional cooperation on "Preventing Grave Violations against Children in Armed Conflict". On this occasion, the Undersecretary of the Ministry, Ms. Sahar Rashid Al-Mannai, affirmed that the Kingdom of Bahrain shows great interest in protecting and preserving the rights of the child guaranteed by the Bahraini constitution, by promoting his belonging and development in a safe environment and reinforced by modern and developed laws and legislation, noting Bahrain's keenness to strengthen international efforts to ensure the protection and care of the child in its comprehensive concept, and within the framework of his upbringing in a positive and safe environment. At the end of the sessions, the Council issued the final statement and a number of recommendations, most notably the full commitment to promoting the rights of the Arab child and embodying them on the ground through laws, policies, programs and plans directed at children, as well as calling on the international community to take responsibility for protecting children suffering from armed conflicts and occupation, and emphasizing that children and youth hold the keys to peace and security, and the importance of investing in the upbringing, protection and empowerment of these two groups, as well as welcoming the initiative of the Kingdom of Norway to organize the international meeting for the protection of children in conflict areas to be held in Oslo on June 5 and 6, 2020. 23.
Minister Al-Asfoor: Supporting the developmental efforts of the Bahraini Women's Union
27-05-2023
His Excellency Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfoor, Minister of Social Development, received the President of the Bahraini Women's Union, Ms. Ahlam Ahmed Rajab, in the presence of members of the Board of Directors of the Federation, to discuss ways to support and empower Bahraini women in various fields. During the meeting, the most prominent programs and initiatives of the Bahraini Women's Union were reviewed within the framework of achieving its goals and aspirations towards empowering women and families in the social and economic field, in order to advance their developmental conditions, in a society based on the principle of equality and equal opportunities among citizens. For his part, the Minister of Social Development expressed his appreciation for the development efforts implemented by the Bahraini Women's Union, and its goals aimed at supporting Bahraini women, to participate in the march of progress, renaissance and nation-building, pointing to the importance of raising awareness of the importance of women's participation at various levels, stressing in this context the need for concerted efforts between government, private and civil sectors to achieve the desired development goals, as well as the Ministry's continued support for the Union's efforts to contribute to achieving its noble aspirations to serve women and the Bahraini family.
The Minister of Social Development meets the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Youth and Environment Association
26-05-2023
His Excellency Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfour, Minister of Social Development, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Youth and Environment Association, received Dr. Ali Hassan Musa, in the presence of a number of members of the Board of Directors. During the meeting, the most important objectives of the association aimed at spreading environmental awareness among young people and encouraging them to volunteer work were reviewed, as well as enriching environmental scientific research, through organizing workshops and specialized courses. Ways to improve environmental volunteer work were also reviewed, as well as many ideas and proposals to overcome challenges that contribute towards strengthening cooperation and coordination between the association and the Ministry of Social Development, enabling it to perform its development mission. The Minister of Social Development praised the efforts of the members of the Youth and Environment Association, and their contribution to promoting the voluntary field among young people, in order to protect the environment, stressing the importance of concerted national efforts through the principles of community partnership that contribute positively to the development of society, stressing the Ministry's keenness to support the initiatives of civil society organizations to carry out their charitable and voluntary duty, To achieve sustainable development goals. For their part, the Chairman and members of the Board of Directors of the Youth and Environment Association expressed their thanks and appreciation for the continuous support provided by the Ministry of Social Development, stressing the determination to continue work and giving in light of cooperation with various relevant authorities.
The Minister of Social Development receives a copy of the master's thesis, researcher Amal Bu Anak
26-05-2023
His Excellency Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfoor, Minister of Social Development, received a copy of the master's thesis entitled "Designing a Strategic Structure to Improve Governmental Level and Qualifications of Institutions to Employ Persons with Disabilities," prepared by researcher Amal Adel Bu Anak. Minister Al-Asfoor praised this study, especially that it is related to one of the development projects presented by the Ministry for people with disabilities, pointing to the importance of scientific studies and research in supporting the process of sustainable development in various developmental and social fields, stressing in this context the keenness of the Kingdom of Bahrain to support national cadres, which is one of the most important sources of research, knowledge and construction.
The Minister of Social Development Receives a Copy of the Book "Artificial Intelligence in the Future of Humanity"
25-05-2023
His Excellency Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfoor, Minister of Social Development, received Dr. Jassim Haji, Chairman of the Global Group for Artificial Intelligence, who presented him with a copy of a book entitled "Artificial Intelligence in the Future of Humanity". On this occasion, Minister Al-Asfoor expressed his appreciation for the efforts made in issuing this valuable book, for the information it contained on artificial intelligence as the digital language, and its importance in contributing to radical improvements in various fields, wishing the Chairman of the Global Group on Artificial Intelligence further progress and success.
Minister of Social Development: Supporting civil organizations to enable them to carry out their development mission
24-05-2023
His Excellency Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfoor, Minister of Social Development, affirmed the ministry's support for all civil society institutions, calling for strengthening the principles of community partnership and coordination with the relevant authorities, to enable civil organizations to fulfill their mission. This came during his meeting with the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bahrain Bar Association, Mr. Hassan Ahmed Budaiwi, in the presence of a number of members of the Board of Directors, in order to discuss ways to enhance joint cooperation between the Ministry and the Association. During the meeting, Bedaiwi briefed the Minister on the latest developments in the work of the Bahrain Bar Association, and its most prominent contributions towards advancing the legal profession, in coordination with the relevant authorities, in addition to reviewing the challenges so as to enable the members of the association to perform their duty efficiently and competently.
The Minister of Social Development meets the Executive Director of the Micro Art Training Center
24-05-2023
His Excellency Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfoor, Minister of Social Development, Executive Director of the Micro Art Training Center and certified trainer, received Dr. Zainab Rashid Siwar, who presented to His Excellency my master's thesis entitled "Analysis of Design Formulations of Significant Shapes and Elements in the Dilmun Seals in the Kingdom of Bahrain and Their Employment in Decorative Designs", and her PhD thesis entitled "The Semiological Dimension of Dilmun Mythology in Mesopotamia and the Kingdom of Bahrain as an Introduction to the Decorative Panel". The Minister of Social Development praised the role of the academic researcher, who contributed to highlighting the historical and artistic face of the Kingdom of Bahrain, enriching national libraries, and those interested in this field. In this context, he praised the researcher's contributions for the rich ideas she presents, wishing her success.
The Minister of Social Development Meets the Bahraini Medical Association
22-05-2023
His Excellency Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfoor, Minister of Social Development, received Dr. Amer Al-Derazi, President of the Bahrain Medical Association, in the presence of a number of members of the Board of Directors. During the meeting, the association's programs and activities and aspects of cooperation with relevant governmental and private institutions were reviewed, as well as ideas and initiatives that would contribute to enabling the association to perform its developmental role. For his part, the Minister of Social Development praised the role played by the Bahrain Medical Association, pointing to the need for cooperation and concerted efforts between the various civil, private and governmental sectors, stressing in this context the Ministry's keenness to support efforts in support of government work in the context of achieving more developmental and social achievements for various segments of society.
The Ministry of Social Development participates in the meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation
22-05-2023
Ms. Zainab Salman Al-Awainati, Assistant Undersecretary for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation at the Ministry of Social Development, participated in the meeting of the open-ended group of intergovernmental experts, organized by the General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, to discuss and enrich the draft plan of action of the organization for the protection and inclusion of persons with disabilities, at the headquarters of the Secretariat in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This meeting comes within the framework of following up the implementation of the decision on cultural, social and family affairs issued by the 49th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers held last March, in preparation for presenting it to the second ministerial conference on social development under the slogan "Social Justice and Community Security", scheduled to be held in Cairo, Arab Republic of Egypt during the month of June 2023, in addition to the Council of Foreign Ministers in its next session. On this occasion, the Assistant Undersecretary for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation stressed that the meeting represents an opportunity to discuss ways and mechanisms for implementing the Organization of Islamic Cooperation's action plan to protect and integrate persons with disabilities, as well as exchange international experiences and review challenges in the field of empowerment and integration of this group. During the meeting, the draft plan of action of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation prepared by the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Center for Islamic Countries (SESRIC) regarding people with disabilities was reviewed.
20-05-2023
His Excellency Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfour, Minister of Social Development, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the British Club, received Mr. Christopher Woodrow, in the presence of a number of members of the Board of Directors, on the occasion of the election of the new Board of Directors. At the beginning of the meeting, Minister Al-Asfoor congratulated the Chairman and members of the Board of Directors on their election to the new session, pointing to the importance of the role played by civil society organizations through effective community partnership with the relevant national authorities, to achieve the desired goals in terms of humanitarian and development work, stressing in this context that the Ministry continues to support civil society organizations in accordance with the laws and regulations in force in this field. For their part, the Chairman and members of the Board of Directors of the British Club expressed their appreciation for the efforts made by the Ministry of Social Development in the areas of community development, praising the support and development of the sector of civil organizations and non-profit institutions in the Kingdom of Bahrain, which leads to improving the level of their productivity and providing more development services in an optimal way for various groups of society.
The Minister of Social Development praises the achievements of the citizen Abdullah Al Balushi
19-05-2023
His Excellency Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfour, Minister of Social Development, affirmed the government's keenness to improve services provided to people with disabilities in various societal and developmental fields, and to preserve their rights to ensure comprehensive protection for them and to enjoy true equality with their peers in society. This came during His Excellency's meeting with the citizen Abdullah Al Balushi, where the most prominent achievements of the citizen at the local and external levels in the fields of people with disabilities were reviewed, in addition to the international participation through which he attained advanced positions.
The Minister of Social Development meets the President of the Bahraini Foundation for Dialogue
19-05-2023
His Excellency Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfoor, Minister of Social Development, founder and chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Bahrain Institute for Dialogue, received Mr. Suhail Ghazi Al-Qusaibi. During the meeting, the most important goals of the association aimed at serving community members were reviewed in a way that contributes to strengthening community cohesion, referring in this context to a number of programs and events organized by the association that highlight the importance of constructive cooperation and positive coexistence, as well as spreading the values of tolerance and dialogue, in order to support the national efforts made in this field. For his part, the Minister of Social Development praised the association's developmental and social goals, and ways to enhance them in a way that contributes to consolidating the spirit of national belonging, and spreading a culture of dialogue and cooperation among the various groups of society, stressing the Ministry's support for the efforts of civil society organizations and their contributions to promoting sustainable social development in order to achieve the desired national goals. Al-Gosaibi also presented the Minister with a copy of his book entitled "The Story of the Bahraini Institute for Dialogue 2012-2022", where the Minister expressed his thanks and appreciation for this gift, praising the efforts in issuing this valuable book.