Is It Time for a Measurable Sustainability Indicator in Bahrain?

As sustainability becomes a cornerstone of global development strategies, it’s no longer just about lofty ideals; it’s about measurable action. In Bahrain, however, we’re still missing a critical tool—a Sustainable National Indicator (SNI) that’s tailored to our local context, offering a unique approach to sustainability measurement.

A Sustainable National Indicator (SNI) could be the key to creating real, trackable change. This framework would allow every sector, from ministries to financial institutions, to assess their sustainability progress in a way that aligns with Bahrain’s specific needs, culture, potential, and challenges. Such a tool would ensure that sustainability efforts are not only theoretical but grounded in practical, measurable steps.

Why is this important for Bahrain?

The beauty of an SNI is that it would provide Bahrain with a localized perspective on sustainability, distinguishing us from other nations. It would reflect Bahrain’s unique socio-economic landscape, focusing on what’s most important for our future. For instance, while some countries may prioritize renewable energy, Bahrain might place greater emphasis on water conservation or sustainable marine practices. This kind of indicator would highlight areas where progress is needed while showcasing industries that are leading the way in adopting sustainable practices. Each sector would be evaluated against specific national criteria, ensuring that the efforts are relevant and impactful for Bahrain.

SDGs vs. SNI: A Tailored Approach to Sustainability for Bahrain

While the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) serve as an important global framework for sustainable development, they are broad and often lack the granularity required for local application. The SNI, on the other hand, would be crafted specifically for Bahrain, focusing on the nation's unique needs, culture, potential, and challenges. Here is a quick comparison:

• Scope: SDGs are global in nature, while SNI focuses on Bahrain’s national priorities.
• Measurement: SDGs offer broad metrics, but SNI provides localized and precise indicators.
• Local Adaptability: The SNI is specifically designed to reflect Bahrain's unique socio-economic and environmental context.
• Flexibility: SNI is dynamic and evolving with national needs, while SDGs are fixed until 2030.
• Practicality: SNI offers a more practical approach, aligning sustainability with national development strategies.

In short, the SNI would bring localization to sustainability, making Bahrain’s approach more effective and distinct compared to the broader, one-size-fits-all SDG framework. It would provide practical, measurable ways to ensure that sustainability becomes an actionable, everyday effort—rooted in Bahrain’s own goals and potential.

Shifting from Buzzwords to Action

The surge of interest around sustainability, much like the rush to adopt AI, often comes with much fanfare but little in the way of measurable progress. We've seen how some sectors—like banking—have been quick to tout their AI capabilities without genuinely transforming customer experiences. A similar pattern is possible with sustainability unless we introduce meaningful ways to measure success.

An SNI would provide the framework needed to avoid this pitfall. It would allow us to objectively assess the progress of organizations in integrating sustainability practices. By doing so, Bahrain would transition from talking about sustainability to actively creating long-term, localized solutions that are tailored to our environment and economy.

Bridging the Gap: From Vision to Action

While Bahrain’s discussions around sustainability have gained momentum, without a structured approach like an SNI, it’s difficult to ensure that these initiatives have a lasting impact. With a localized indicator, industries can track their progress, identify opportunities for improvement, and receive the support needed to continue evolving. The indicator would serve as a roadmap, guiding the country toward sustainable development based on its strengths and challenges.

Why Should Banks and Other Sectors Care?

Banks and other sectors often benefit from more than just environmental credibility when they adopt sustainable practices. A Sustainable National Indicator would give businesses a clear framework for tracking and showcasing their sustainability efforts. For financial institutions, this would not only enhance their brand reputation but also foster trust and loyalty among customers who increasingly seek purpose-driven organizations.

By adopting an SNI, Bahrain would stand out as a nation that understands sustainability from a localized perspective, creating real, measurable change.

This approach could even position Bahrain as a regional leader in sustainability, with other countries looking to replicate our success.