The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) kicked off here today its 40th session, which will continue until March 22, 2019. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's delegation was headed by President of Human Rights Commission Dr. Bandar bin Mohammed Al-Aiban. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said in her opening speech that human rights standards are rooted in many cultures and traditions, where these standards have proved valuable in disaster prevention, peacebuilding, equity and social cohesion, noting that comprehensive sustainable development requires the participation of civil society, and that policies supporting the rights of all peoples are driven towards the realization of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.