The agreement aims to align the BPC's plans and projects with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, covering various initiatives with a current focus on supporting the 2021 Asian Youth Para Games, due to be held in Bahrain in November.

Mohammed bin Duaij Al Khalifa, BPC chairman, said the agreement comes within the strategic objectives of the National Paralympic Committee, with the guidance of Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who is His Majesty the King's Representative for Charitable and Youth Affairs and chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports.

The BPC is working to implement measures and initiatives that empower athletes and fully integrate them into all aspects of community life, according to Duaij Al Khalifa.

He added that the country has been among the leading nations in achieving the Millennium Development Goals adopted by the UN in 2000. 

Bahrain claims to have reached the targets in record time in 2015.

Stefano Pettinato, resident representative of the UN Development Programme in Bahrain, added: "We are delighted to seal this collaboration with BPC today, and look forward to working with the Committee and other actors in supporting its noble objective of integrating persons with all types of abilities in the field of sports, a pivotal gateway for inclusion, renewed opportunities, and inspiration.

"This mission is enshrined in the principle of 'leaving no one behind', which is at the core of the Sustainable Development Goals, agreed in 2015 by all countries around the world, including Bahrain.

"Today as UNDP we commit to this new collaboration, to provide all possible support within our mandate, fostering engagement and inclusiveness while accompanying the work of the BPC, which we believe can and will effectively contribute to sustainable development in [Bahrain]."