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DATA FOR A BETTER FUTURE
New York-USA. 20 July 2025 – The UAE has held its first national exhibition at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York City, as part of the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development 2025.
Titled “Shaping Tomorrow: UAE Leadership for a Sustainable Future”, the exhibition reflects the UAE’s commitment to expanding international action to achieve SDGs, as well as its involvement in shaping the future of global development.
The inauguration was attended by Her Excellency Amina Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General; His Excellency Ambassador Mohamed Abushahab, Permanent Representative of the UAE to the UN; His Excellency Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Experience Exchange and Chair of the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, and head of the UAE delegation participating in the HLPF; alongside representatives from international organizations and government delegations from around the world.
Platform for Showcasing Inclusive Development
The exhibition was organised jointly by entities including the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Investment, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), Dubai Chambers, and Noor Dubai Foundation, a member of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI). The entities showcased their experiences and globally replicable initiatives in sustainable development, including in innovation, climate action, community empowerment.
Beyond 2030: Four Pillars for Development
The exhibition is the first of its kind organised by the UAE at the UN HLPF. It offers an engaging experience that highlights the UAE’s sustainable development journey since the 2002 Rio+10 Summit. The exhibition is a continuation of the dialogue launched by the UAE with 170+ leaders and decision-makers during the World Government Summit (WGS) 2023.
The exhibition showcases the Extended SDGs (XDGs) framework. It is based on four core pillars: integrating sustainability into national policies and legislation; monitoring impact through accurate indicators and data; developing a flexible development model through ‘Future Zones’; and enhancing international partnerships through knowledge sharing, particularly through the Government Experience Exchange Programme.
HE Abdullah Lootah: the Exhibition Reflects UAE’s Commitment to a More Sustainable Future
His Excellency Abdulla Nasser Lootah said: “The UAE is committed to sharing best practices and successful experiences with partners around the world.
The ‘Shaping Tomorrow” exhibition embodies the UAE’s vision for a global development pathway based on partnership, knowledge sharing, and innovation. This reflects the UAE’s approach to creating solutions that can be scaled globally and reflects its commitment to supporting global dialogue on the post-2030 era. This includes initiatives like the Government Experience Exchange Programme.”
National Initiatives Supporting Global Goals
The exhibition highlighted major national development efforts that have had global impact. The Ministry of Interior showcased its “Green Justice” initiative in Latin America, aimed at combating transnational environmental crimes, as part of its efforts supporting SDG 17.
Meanwhile, the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) presented its contributions to financing projects in 100+ countries, supporting infrastructure, education, and renewable energy.
The Supreme Committee for Motherhood and Childhood showcased its initiatives aimed at empowering women and children, including the “National Child Empowerment Guide” and the “Emirati Children’s Parliament,” which enhance children’s participation in decision-making in support of SDG 5.
Noor Dubai Foundation presented its model for combating visual impairments in support of SDG 3. This includes the iBSAR project in Asia and Africa, which provides preventive and therapeutic care.
EAD showcased its efforts in protecting marine ecosystems through initiatives such as the “Marine Turtle Protection Program” and smart monitoring technologies for coral reefs, aligning with SDG 14.
UAE Model for Integrated Development
These initiatives exemplify the integration between the UAE’s national vision and its global commitments, by linking local policies with international development goal.
- Women empowerment foundational to all 2030 SDGs, hears high-level roundtable at UN HLPF
- UAE delegation hosts roundtable on innovation and bridging the digital gender gap
Dubai- UAE. 19 July 2025 – The UAE has reaffirmed the critical role of women empowerment and gender equality in achieving the United Nations’ (UN) 2030 Agenda during the 2025 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development in New York.
The UAE delegation highlighted the nation’s model for women empowerment, gender equality, and its focus on motherhood and childhood as the basis for inclusive and sustainable growth. The UAE built this model through the comprehensive empowerment system that it provides for women and families, who form the nucleus of society and guarantee the sustainability of human, social, and economic development.
The UAE delegation presented national policies and legislation that have contributed to increasing the number of women in leadership and decision-making positions. This includes the Equal Pay Law and the Constitution guaranteeing equal opportunities for both genders.
The delegation highlighted several milestones, including the fact that women now represent 50% of Federal National Council members and 26% of Cabinet members. Women also constitute 46% of STEM graduates in the UAE and 80% of the scientific leadership team in the Emirates Mars Mission.
The delegation also addressed the UAE’s role in supporting women empowerment globally through initiatives like Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak’s Women in Peace and Security Initiative. The delegation concluded by reiterating the UAE’s willingness to share its expertise and success with the international community to promote gender equality towards 2030 and beyond.
Promoting innovation and bridging the digital gender gap
The National Secretariat on SDGs and the UAE Consulate General in New York City hosted a roundtable on ‘Accelerating Innovation in Promoting Gender Equality to Continue Achieving Sustainable Development in the Post-2030.’
The discussion explored bridging the digital gender gap, transforming the care economy, and empowering women in leadership. It presented scalable solutions and practical models to drive progress around SDG 5.
The discussion featured contributions from Her Excellency Savannah Mazhya, Minister of Information and Communications Technology in the Kingdom of Eswatini and Chair of the Global Council for SDG 5; His Excellency Abdulla Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Experience Exchange and Chair of the National Committee on SDGs; Dr Manal Taryam, CEO and Board Member of Noor Dubai Foundation; while other participants included Chelsea Molden, Executive Director of the Public Policy Lab; Stephanie Sirota from RTW Investments in Life Sciences; and Andrew Billo, Head of Partnerships at the UN Initiative to End Violence Against Women and Girls.
HE Lootah: ‘The UAE has built a pioneering global model that supports social progress
HE Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Experience Exchange and Chair of the National Committee on SDGs, said: “Over decades of sustainable development centred on the family, the UAE has made community empowerment both the finish line and the starting point of development. This approach is what the UAE is ready to share with everyone around the world.
“Through the UAE’s participation in HLPF, and through the delegation’s meetings and partnerships, we are sharing knowledge gained in empowering society to ensure inclusive development.”
Additionally, the UAE delegation shared the country’s experiences in establishing the National Committee on SDGs in 2017 during its participation in an event organised by the Government of Qatar to introduce the agenda of the second edition of the Global Summit for Social Development, which will be held in Doha from 4-6 November.
On the first day of the 2025 United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development, organized by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) at UN Headquarters in New York, the UAE delegation emphasized the crucial role of advanced healthcare systems in accelerating achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) globally by 2030.
The delegation highlighted the UAE’s efforts to support Goal 3, ensuring good health and well-being, emphasizing the importance of innovation in healthcare systems’ development and deployment to achieve sustainable development worldwide.
The UAE provides the fundamentals for sustainable development
His Excellency Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Experience Exchange, and Chair of the National Committee on SDGs, affirmed that the UAE relies on fruitful partnerships and experience exchange principles in launching and implementing programs that make a positive development difference internationally, especially in communities most in need of support, such as those in the Global South.
Lootah stated: “The UAE is a trusted global supporter in accelerating the achievement of the UN SDGs for 2030. It is keen on implementing practical initiatives worldwide that have a continuous impact, providing sustainability for development and disseminating their benefits to the largest number of beneficiaries, including projects supporting the healthcare sector in developing communities.”
He added: “Investing in strategic projects with long-term extended impact in vital sectors that support achieving sustainable development such as health, knowledge, and awareness is a vital investment in people, the focal point of development, and in human capital, which creates opportunities for the future. This is the UAE’s approach to development locally and globally, which we are committed to sharing through partnerships, knowledge exchange, and expertise with everyone,” reiterating the strategic dimension’s importance to ensure sustainability of development project impacts for future generations.
Shaping the Future
From the platform of the exhibition ‘Shaping Tomorrow: UAE Leadership for a Sustainable Future,’ the UAE delegation presents a multi-faceted picture of the country’s contributions to achieving SDGs, including enhancing local and global healthcare systems. The exhibition introduces UAE’s global initiatives supporting sustainable development in vital areas, including innovative healthcare, policy design inclusive of all, and global transformative partnerships.
Focus on Healthcare
The healthcare sector and its developmental projects made a significant presence at the exhibition organized by the UAE in HLPF, highlighting progress and impact of its development initiatives for healthcare systems at the national level and in communities most in need of support and assistance. The exhibition also demonstrated the role of partnerships established by the UAE and entities within its delegation to the forum in accelerating development pathways, including fruitful healthcare work in awareness, prevention, and treatment.
Beyond 2030
The UAE’s delegation to the forum organized a high-impact roundtable session at the Permanent Mission of the UAE to the United Nations, presenting new visions for healthcare systems and their role in sustainable development beyond 2030.
The high-impact roundtable session, organized by the National Committee on SDGs; The Consulate General of the UAE in New York; and the Noor Dubai Foundation as part of the country’s delegation to the HLPF, focused on the importance of healthcare innovations, expanding their development and deployment to accelerate achieving Goal 3: ensuring global access to good health and well-being. The session also highlighted the link between achieving Goal 3 and several other development objectives, including Goal 1: ending poverty in all its forms everywhere and Goal 13: focusing on taking urgent action to combat climate change to achieve a healthy future for generations.
Participants in the session worked on developing preliminary models for comprehensive health development solutions contributing to achieving SDGs 2030 and beyond. The attendees recognized the role of primary healthcare networks supported by AI at the Noor Dubai Foundation, along with international tools and opportunities available for financing climate health solutions, in developing a comprehensive framework for current goals and future goals proposed by the UAE for 2045, focusing on multi-sectoral international cooperation.
The session concluded on the necessity of linking innovation to actual needs, collaboration in shared health and preventive responsibilities, and leveraging data as catalysts for action.
Sustainable Health Umbrella
Dr. Manal Omran Taryam, CEO and Board Member of the Noor Dubai Foundation, delivered the UAE’s statement at the forum on Goal 3 and its linkages with other goals. She said: “In the UAE, we believe that health is an inherent right, only completed by integrating all elements of healthcare under a unified, integrated, and sustainable umbrella.”
Dr. Manal Taryam added: “Technology and innovation are the core of the UAE’s approach to achieving sustainable development, where investment in telemedicine, AI, and smart screening tools contribute to removing geographic barriers and ensuring access to healthcare for all. We are proud of initiatives such as the Noor Dubai Foundation, one of the initiatives of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), which since 2008 has improved the lives of more than 33 million people in Asia and Africa through comprehensive teleophthalmology programs and innovative solutions such as ‘Ibsar’ project.”
HLPF on Sustainable Development 2025
The HLPF on Sustainable Development Forum represents the UN’s primary platform on sustainable development solutions. Since its establishment in 2012, the forum has played a pivotal role in monitoring and reviewing the progress made toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals for 2030.
The United Arab Emirates delegation will participate in the upcoming 2025 United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development, organized by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) at UN Headquarters in New York.
The delegation will showcase the UAE’s comprehensive development model, reaffirming its commitment to accelerate progress toward the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through multinational partnerships.
The UAE delegation will focus on five priority goals: Goal 3 – ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages; Goal 5 – achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls; Goal 8 – promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, productive employment, and decent opportunities for all; Goal 14 – conserving and sustainably using oceans, seas, and marine resources; and Goal 17 – strengthening global partnerships for sustainable development.
The UAE delegation includes members from the UAE’s National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Investment, The Government Experience Exchange Programme, Dubai Chamber of Commerce, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, and Noor Dubai Foundation (under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives), in coordination with the UAE’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York.
His Excellency Abdullah Nasser Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Experience Exchange and Chair of the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, reaffirmed that UAE’s participation reflects its international commitment to advancing the 2030 SDGs in innovation, technology, and smart governance. He emphasized the importance of expanding global partnerships in knowledge and development exchange.
On the sidelines of HLPF, the UAE delegation is organizing a focused global retreat to discuss current challenges and explore future opportunities and a dedicated exhibition showcasing the UAE’s progress and achievements in accelerating the implementation of the SDGs both locally and globally. In addition, the delegation will highlight initiatives in clean energy, digital transformation, education, and healthcare.
As part of the preparations for the UAE’s participation, the National Committee on the SDGs held an extensive meeting to assess the readiness of the delegation and review progress on the implementation of the SDGs. The meeting explored opportunities to expand international cooperation and sign new agreements during the Forum.
Held under the “Reinforcing sustainable, inclusive, and evidence-based solutions to deliver the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs, leaving no one behind”, the 2025 forum will run from 14 to 23 July 2025 with a total of 37 countries presenting their voluntary national reviews on the progress made toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals to date.
The UAE, represented by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC), participated in the 17th Meeting of Heads of National Statistical Offices of BRICS, held in Fortaleza, Brazil. The meeting saw the participation of high-level delegations as part of the Triple International Forum on Global South Governance.
The meeting focused on vital topics aimed at strengthening statistical cooperation among BRICS countries. Discussions included the production of digital age indicators, exchange of national experiences in economic development, poverty reduction, climate change mitigation, international statistical training, and joint publications such as the Joint Statistical Publication (JSP) of the BRICS group. These efforts aim to strengthen statistical cooperation frameworks, paving the way for further integration in data production and support for development policies within the group’s countries.
Hanan Ahli: UAE Supports Global Dialogue on Shaping a Data-Driven Future Enhanced by Statistical Innovation
Her Excellency Hanan Mansour Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, affirmed that UAE’s participation reflects its commitment to supporting global dialogue on shaping a data-driven future, enhancing its governance through a flexible and comprehensive knowledge system that responds to national priorities and aligns with global trends. By leveraging statistical innovation tools and enhancing cognitive integration, the aim is to build more sustainable communities.
Hanan Ahli added, “We look forward to strengthening cooperation frameworks with BRICS countries through the UN Global Platform Regional Hub in the UAE, contributing to the development of indicators that reflect the digital age realities and support joint efforts and knowledge exchange in this vital field.”
The UAE delegation highlighted the importance of developing modern statistical tools that reflect digital transformations in national economies, reaffirming the country’s commitment to enhancing international partnerships in data and evidence-based policy support. The delegation also showcased UAE’s efforts in developing data infrastructure, enabling innovation in statistical work, and deploying modern technologies such as AI and big data to support sustainable development strategies.
The UAE delegation stated that enhancing coordination and aligning the Joint Statistical Publication (JSP) of the BRICS group with public policy requirements is necessary, focusing on the specific nature and development needs of the group’s countries to enhance the effectiveness of data in decision-making processes.
It is worth mentioning that BRICS Heads of National Statistical Offices Meetings serve as a high-level platform bringing together decision-makers and international experts in statistics and big data to exchange experiences, discuss opportunities for effective cooperation and partnerships, and explore the latest innovative practices in statistical work, contributing to the development of quality initiatives that support continuous assessment of evolving needs at regional and international levels.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, has chaired a Cabinet meeting held at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi.
The meeting was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court; H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence; H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance; H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of the Interior.
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said, “I chaired a Cabinet meeting at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi, where we reviewed the UAE’s performance in the 2025 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking. The UAE ranked 5th globally, alongside the world’s leading countries in economic competitiveness, government efficiency, legislative strength, and business environment excellence. Sixteen years ago, we established a competitiveness center, uniting the efforts of key national entities. These efforts have elevated the UAE’s ranking from 28th globally in 2009 to being among the top five globally in competitiveness. In the same report, the UAE ranked 1st globally in the absence of bureaucracy index, 2nd globally in government policies adaptability index, and 4th globally in government efficiency index. This achievement is a testament to years of consistent effort. With the vision of my brother, Mohamed bin Zayed, our future will continue to be even brighter and stronger.”
The UAE Cabinet reviewed the 2025 Global Competitiveness Ranking results, published by the IMD World Competitiveness Center in Lausanne, Switzerland. This year, the UAE is ranked among the top five globally, scoring 96.09 out of 100 points. The country advanced two positions from last year, surpassing countries such as the United States, Sweden, Germany, and Canada, while maintaining its top ranking as the regional leader for the ninth consecutive year.
The report evaluates 69 countries based on four key areas: economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency, and infrastructure. Its findings cover 341 competitiveness indicators across economic, administrative, and social fields.
The 2025 edition also introduced five new indicators: food waste, environmental performance, freely elected government, passport mobility, and media bias.
This year, the UAE made significant progress in the business efficiency pillar, rising seven spots to rank third globally. It also maintained a strong standing globally in economic performance and government efficiency, ranking second and fourth, respectively.
The UAE’s exceptional performance in key sectors contributed to its leadership in 113 global indicators across the report’s main and sub-pillars. The country ranked first globally in 22 indicators, including employment rate, absence of bureaucracy, availability of global expertise, digital transformation in companies, venture capital, inbound mobility of higher education students, public-private partnerships, energy infrastructure, and female parliamentary representation.
The UAE also ranked second globally in social cohesion, flexibility of residency laws, and government policy adaptability, while securing third globally in graduates in sciences, leverage of digital tools and technology, and healthcare infrastructure.
The UAE’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reached AED 1.776 billion in 2024, recording a growth rate of 4% compared to 2023. The non-oil GDP grew by 5%, amounting to AED 1.342 billion, while oil-related sectors and activities contributed AED 434 billion.
His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, stated that the GDP figures issued by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC) for 2024 represent a new notable achievement for the national economy. Affirming the UAE’s key breakthroughs under the vision and directives of its wise leadership, in driving economic diversification and enhancing global competitiveness. By the end of last year, non-oil sectors accounted for 75.5% of the country’s total GDP.
His Excellency added that these indicators reflect the success of the UAE’s economic strategies and policies aimed at transitioning to an innovative, knowledge-based, and sustainable economic model, in line with emerging trends and advanced technologies.
H.E. further stated, “We continue to enhance our national efforts under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. These efforts support the economic targets of the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision, which aims to raise the GDP to AED 3 trillion by the next decade and strengthen the UAE’s position as a global hub for the new economy, ensuring sustainable development, leadership, and international competitiveness.”
Her Excellency Hanan Mansour Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, affirmed that the 4% growth in the UAE’s GDP last year reflects the strong performance of the national economy, which is supported by a forward-looking vision focused on sustainable, non-oil-driven growth.
H.E. noted that the UAE’s leadership continues to build a pioneering and globally advanced economic model, where economic diversification remains a key pillar and catalyst for sustainable development, community prosperity, and continued national achievements. This approach helps ensure the sustainability of GDP growth and progress across various economic and development indicators.
Top Performing Economic Activities
In terms of the most dynamic economic sectors in 2024 compared to 2023, transport and storage sector led the way with a 9.6% growth, driven by strong performance in passenger traffic and flight operations across UAE airports, which handled 147.8 million travelers, reflecting an annual growth of nearly 10%.
The construction sector expanded by 8.4%, supported by substantial investment in urban infrastructure projects. Financial and insurance activities grew by 7%, while the hospitality sector, including restaurants and hotels, increased by 5.7%, and real estate activities rose by 4.8%.
Among non-oil economic activities, trade was the largest contributor to GDP, accounting for 16.8%, followed by manufacturing at 13.5%, financial and insurance activities at 13.2%, construction at 11.7%, and real estate at 7.8%.
Based on a comprehensive report prepared
By the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority
Dubai, 25 May 2020:The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has recognized the determined efforts of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in fighting the coronavirus pandemic and the effective measures taken by the country’s government to limit the fallout of the crisis on different areas, including social and economic sectors.
The commendation followed an ongoing analysis issued by the organization about the possible impact of the Covid-19 outbreak on countries around the world and the ability of their economic systems to deal with the crisis. The OECD’s Covid-19 Policy Hub includes a detailed explanation about the numbers of infected cases in each country and the respective measures they have taken to combat the outbreak.
The OECD based its assessment on a detailed report prepared by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA), which includes the initiatives, efforts and strategic plans made by different government entities at the national level aimed at ensuring the health and safety of the community. Taking into consideration the continuity of work in vital sectors such as energy, education, healthcare, communication and government services, the FCSA report highlights the various steps taken by the UAE to halt the spread of the coronavirus, which includes launching awareness campaigns and implementing practical steps, both of which have served to reduce the number of infected cases.
“The high level of responsiveness and prompt decision-making has led to the swift implementation of national plans to deal with the current crisis and ensured administrative efficiency in all government entities. The level of resilience displayed is proof of the innovation of the government system, which works in perfect harmony and coordination under the guidance of the UAE leadership to serve the country’s sustainable development goals,” said H.E. Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Director General of the FCSA.
“The current crisis has created a real and ongoing challenge. The United Arab Emirates has been able to reduce the fallout from the pandemic in all sectors, thanks to the leadership’s strategy of investing in national qualifications and providing the country’s human capital with all the technical and smart tools to ensure success. Today, we reap the benefits of this investment and are proud of the national integrated team who deserve full praise because of their efforts and ability to collaborate professionally with the OECD – a prestigious global organization,” H.E. Lootah continued.
More achievements
“We are keen to develop an integrated infrastructure for the national statistics system and to continuously update a comprehensive database that enables us to prepare detailed reports and studies that serve to advance the position of the United Arab Emirates on various global competitiveness indicators, in line with the directions of the prudent leadership,” H.E stressed.
“We are proud of the praise from the OECD regarding the United Arab Emirates’ efforts and its efficiency in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. We invite all government entities to redouble their cooperation and coordination efforts across all domains to achieve greater successes and make qualitative advances for the country in all sectors and across different indicators,” H.E concluded.
For His part, Andreas Schaal, Director of Global Relations, OECD, said : ““ The Covid-19 crisis has bluntly reminded us that, as our countries form part of a global interconnected community, international cooperation has never been so important. The UAE has proven to be an important and innovative partner, as we collectively strive to develop the most effective policies to address such an unprecedented crisis. Looking forward, we are convinced that the United Arab Emirates can play an important role in converting this crisis into an opportunity for the MENA region, and we welcome working with the UAE to make this possible.”
On the level of measures
As part of the OECD’s response to the pandemic, a Digital Hub on Tackling the Coronavirus (COVID-19) was launched to provide countries with timely and comprehensive information on policy responses around the world, together with OECD advice, in some cases. Specifically, the Country Policy Tracker is a repository of policy responses and measures from over 90 countries which allows citizens and policy makers to explore the actions taken by each country as we advance through the crisis towards recovery. Beyond immediate responses.
The Digital Hub aims to provide analysis on the longer-term consequences and impacts, paving the way to recovery with coordinated policy responses across countries. OECD analysis underpins the need for decisive action and a coordinated response by governments to kick-start the economy when possible, support the recovery and maintain a lifeline to people. In this way.
The OECD hopes to help governments learn from each other in real time, facilitate co-ordination, and contribute to the necessary global action when confronting this enormous collective challenge.
The United Arab Emirates’ efforts have been recognized and included within the indicator, due to its strategic partnership with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. The countries included in the measures’ indicator include the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (a member of the G20 group), Morocco and Egypt (which have a special cooperation known as Country Programmes), in the addition to Tunisia and the United Arab Emirates, which has a close relationship with the Organization through a Memorandum of Understanding.
Innovative efforts
The report issued by the FCSA highlights the efforts of the UAE government in dealing with the crisis on several levels, including containing the spread of the virus through quarantine and movement restrictions, the application of a distance learning system for university and school students, cancelling public events, curtailing air travel and suspending certain economic activities.
The report explains that the efforts to contain the virus are accompanied by a series of supportive, economic stimulators and commercial growth measures for individuals and companies in order to ensure business continuity. These include the launch by the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates of two plans worth AED 256 billion, comprising AED 100 billion to support the economic growth of the retail sector and affected companies, and AED 156 billion to support the national economy. It also draws attention to the Abu Dhabi government’s AED 9 billion support plan and the Dubai government’s economic incentive package worth AED 1.5 billion. Other initiatives highlighted in the report include the United Arab Emirates Cabinet approving federal government financial stimulus packages worth AED 16 billion to support business continuity on top of previously announced economic incentive packages.
The FCSA report outlines that the economic measures have been accompanied by supportive healthcare measures. These include the conducting of the largest number of examinations on the population level compared to the other countries, with the tests ongoing on a daily basis and contributing to the detection of many cases. It also highlights the establishment of 13 drive-in testing centres across the UAE and a number of field hospitals that have been opened to ensure the highest levels of health and safety.
The FCSA report also includes the measures taken to reduce burdens on the private sector, with the various financial stimulus packages amounting to AED 86 million. These include extending automatically expired residencies for employees and workers for a period of three months, cancelling administrative fines for expired permits until the end of the current year, and reducing electricity and water services fees for dealers in the tourism, hospitality and trade sectors by 20% for a period of three months. It concludes with a reference to the regulatory measures taken to raise awareness of preventive measures and to preserve mental wellbeing in society.
New York, Dubai- 9th March 2020:
In a step to affirm the UAE’s strenuous efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the international and local levels, H.E. Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, held a meeting with H.E. Abdullah Nasser Lootah, Director-General of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA) and Deputy Chairman of the UAE’s National Committee on SDGs, leading a delegation representing the UAE to discuss the SDGs and opportunities to enhance cooperation efforts to achieve them.
The attendees tackled several relevant topics on SDGs while focusing on the state-of-the-art technical trends, strategic partnerships, the youth’s pivotal role, and the importance of supporting the implementation of data-based sustainable development initiatives around the world.
In this connection, H.E. Reem Bint Ibrahim Al Hashemi, Minister of State for International Cooperation Affairs and Chairperson of the National Committee on the Sustainable Development Goals hailed the UAE Government efforts at the international and local levels to achieve the SDGs 2030.
“The UAE’s commitment to supporting global efforts to achieve SDGs is entirely consistent with the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul in peace, to build a sustainable future for future generations. This legacy is based on the optimal management of our resources to serve the best interest of the UAE’s development and prosperity and the world at large,” H.E. Reem stated.
H.E. Al Hashemi added: “Supporting the SDGs has been a fundamental pillar of the UAE journey that started generations ago. This has established its position as a role model in development and prosperity and creating a better future for generations to come. Today, the UAE is taking the lead in combining development policies and strategies with these global goals.”
H.E. Amina Mohammed stated, "It gives me an eminent pleasure to meet again with the UAE delegation. The UAE has always been a UN member committed to supporting global efforts to achieve SDGs. It is such a meeting to help highlight the extent of UAE leadership’s belief in the active role of coordination and consultation at the international level to achieve a prosperous future for the generations to come.
H.E. Amina said: “We are pleased with the United Nations to exchange expertise, experiences, and data with the UAE delegation. Indeed, the UAE is leading the efforts dedicated to adopting innovation and technology to achieve the SDGs.”
On his part, Lootah stated: “We are visiting New York to emphasize our commitment that every person in this world, no matter where he or she lives, could live a life free from poverty, hunger, and disease.”
H.E. Lootah highlighted the role of public and private sectors and organizations in this process by saying: “Effective communication and participation between experts in international organizations and public and private sectors all over the world, are the way that would enable us to share experiences and innovations designed to support countries in their journey to achieving the SDGs.”
“These meetings are a genuine opportunity to discuss visions and ideas that would contribute to promoting dialogue and partnerships at the international level to proceed with the journey to achieve the SDGs,” H.E. Lootah added.
During the meeting, H.E. Lootah reviewed with the Deputy Secretary-General the efforts made by UAE globally to raise awareness on SDGs. They also discussed other topics including the UAE SDG Photography Award organized by the UAE National Committee on SDGs, in partnership with the Hamdan bin Mohammad Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA), in addition to the mobile exhibitions organized for the winning photos in the most critical events sites that attract a broad audience. They agreed that such activities would boost up the UAE’s reputation as a global contributor committed to implementing and raising awareness on the global goals of sustainable development. The delegation presented a copy of the Photography Award Book to H.E. the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, who praised the efforts made by the UAE to raise awareness on SDGs.
With Sights Set to Take Effective Steps in Support of SDGs
UAE- 25th January 2020
With the participation of the National Committee on the Sustainable Development Goals, the Higher Committee for Coordinating Statistical Work held its first meeting in 2020.
Her Excellency Reem Bint Ibrahim Al Hashemi, Minister of State for International Cooperation Affairs and Chairperson of the National Committee on the Sustainable Development Goals expressed her pleasure to meet the members of the Higher Committee for Coordinating Statistical Work.
H.E. Al Hashemi emphasized the necessity of concerted efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date data, which contributes to advancing the UAE’s competitiveness in sustainable development dossiers.
“The statistical work system requires integration in all aspects of the statistical work and data collection. We should have a mutual understanding of the working mechanism in the next stage with sights highly set to achieve the vision of the UAE wise leadership in areas of sustainable development, and to move steadily forward to realizing goals of the UAE Centennial 2071,” she stated.
H.E. Al Hashemi underlined that more efforts must be exerted to make data accessible to all, and strive hard to promote and further boost up partnerships between government and local entities along with the private sector. She also touched upon areas of improvement in the statistical work by saying: “We have to invest in the mutual advantages generated by the enormous volumes of data, knowledge, and experiences to serve best the important initiatives and projects dedicated to supporting the statistical work, and enhance the achievement of the SDGs in UAE.”
H.E. Reem Bint Ibrahim Al Hashemi availed the opportunity to extend her sincerest appreciation to all the national statistics centers for their dedicated efforts to provide data and further enhance the UAE’s competitiveness in various global competitiveness reports. She stressed: “The UAE today is a role model in areas of developing strategies for achieving the SDGs. We look forward, through our meeting, to unifying the efforts of statistics centers to identify solutions to challenges and turn them into genuine opportunities.”
H.E., the State Minister, concluded her statement by giving weight to the fact that UAE deserves that everyone pushes himself to the limit to bring our homeland to the level of developed country worldwide, and create a better future for present and future generations.
H.E. Abdullah Nasser Lootah, Director-General of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA) and Deputy Chairperson of the National Commission on SDGs, thanked H.E. Reem Bint Ibrahim Al Hashemi for attending the meeting and the directives and remarks she presented.
H.E. Lootah added: “Our work in the Higher Committee for Coordinating Statistical Work and the National Committee on SDGs focuses on the significance of data and statistics in achieving the indicators of the UAE National Agenda 2030, constant quest to further boost up the achievements, and adopting innovation as a systematic work approach to achieve the goals of the UAE Centennial 2071.”
While highlighting the significance of this meeting, H.E. Lootah pointed out that joint meetings constitute a real opportunity to discuss visions and ideas that would add value to the dialogue on supporting partnerships between statistics entities to move forward of achieving the SDGs.
He also stated: “This would enhance our work in parallel with global efforts exerted to achieve sustainability. It would also help identify priorities, discuss challenges, and review a range of innovative and effective solutions that contribute to accelerating the pace of achieving the SDGs in the UAE.”
Commenting on the significance of the meeting, Abdullah Ahmed Al Suwaidi, Acting Director-General of the Statistics Center- Abu Dhabi (SCAD), assured SCAD’s commitment to achieving the SDGs. He said: “This meeting was of outstanding importance and meant to exchange experiences, reviewing the best practices in the field of sustainability, and highlighting the vital role of statistical data in supporting the sustainability process. It also dedicated to identify the best methods to take advantage of the statistical data, improve its quality and make them accessible to the public, and channel them in the manner that contributes to the UAE’s progress and prosperity and the world at large.”
Al Suwaidi added: “The United Nations and the member states that endorsed the Global Sustainability Agenda 2030 acknowledged the importance of providing data and statistics of development indicators as unified criteria for identifying efforts to achieve the SDGs. in view of that, all countries committed to achieving their SDGs strive hard to provide the latest figures and data on sustainability and make them accessible.”
Promoting Initiatives
Arif Al Muhairi, the Executive Director of the Dubai Statistics Center (DSC), highlighted the significance of this meeting by saying: “The statistical work system requires integrating all relevant aspects of the statistical work, data flow and developing a mutual understanding of the working mechanism through cooperation between statistics entities in the UAE.
Hailing efforts to hold this meeting, he commented: “This meeting was held with the participation of the members of the National Committee on SDGs as a genuine realization of the interest that the UAE’s wise leadership attaches to promoting initiatives and partnerships that best serve to achieve the SDGs. It is held to emphasize the importance of joint work, harnessing innovative solutions, and benefiting from the data revolution to achieve the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030.”
For her part, Dr. Hajar Al Hubaishi, Executive Director of the Ajman Statistics and Competitiveness Center, emphasized: “The meetings of the Higher Committee for Coordinating Statistical Work are held according to a general framework dedicated for the process of developing and implementing statistical work in the UAE. This could be realized by achieving coordination and integration among official statistical entities, government authorities, and the private sector institutions to ensure that the flawless flow of data effectively and systematically.”
Dr. Hajar went on to say: “The joint meeting earned special importance as it is held with the participation of the members of the National Committee on SDGs. This definitely, contributes to developing a data environment that supports the efforts exerted to achieve the SDGs in the UAE through devising tools and means to ensure the provision of accurate and up-to-date data. They all are meant to contribute to the efforts exerted to achieving sustainability in the UAE by implementing various strategic initiatives and projects.”
On his turn, H.E. Humaid Rashid Humaid Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the Executive Council of Umm Al Quwain, shed light on the commitment of Umm Al Quwain Emirate to coordinate and combine efforts of the national statistics entities and provide support to them to make optimal use of data and the best methods of collecting and analyzing them.
He pointed out: “This is done to support the national statistical work systems, to implement the best practices in this vital sector and to take advantage of the methodologies designed to support sustainable development dedicated to realizing the directions of the UAE Government and its federal and local authorities to achieve the SDGs. Such efforts will finally lead to promote methods to achieve our national agenda and the UAE Centennial 2071.”
On the other hand, H.E. Najwa Yaacoub, Executive Director of RAK Center for Statistics & Studies, singled out the need to conclude partnerships in the field of statistical work to support the SDGs.
She stated: “This meeting is one of the active channels of communication with the strategic partners to contribute to pursuing the achievement of the SDGs. Moreover, it is an opportunity to develop the appropriate statistical work mechanisms to harness innovation to achieve sustainable development, one of the catalysts for realizing growth in many other vital sectors.
H.E. Najwa Yaacoub mentioned that the meeting agenda focused on expanding the methods to support and measure the UAE National Agenda designed to contribute to achieving the SDGs 2030. Also, the agenda focused on the importance of data and statistics to support decision-making processes and achieving the anticipated achievements at the level of the UAE and the world at large.”
Dr. Ibrahim Saad, Director of the Fujairah Statistics Center, underlined that the meeting received additional importance as it is being held to enhance the position of statistics in sustainable development.
He pointed out: “The statistics sector receives immense care and attention of the UAE’s wise leadership based on the importance of its active role in policy and decision-making, as well as contributing to establishing development projects.”
Dr. Ibrahim indicated that providing accurate statistical information contributes to drawing strategic plans for sustainable development in the UAE, and enhances the flow of data and indicators between the government departments and private sector institutions.
Dr. Ibrahim concluded by stating that “This would have positive implications in realizing developments in economic and social growth. It would absolutely enhance methods adopted to achieve the SDGs 2030 and boosts the UAE’s competitiveness in global reports and indicators.”
Dubai (Union) – The UAE has achieved a new global achievement by being among the best countries in the world in government digital transformation, to be the only Arab country in this group, in the Government Digital Maturity Report "GovTech" issued by the World Bank for the year 2021, which measures the levels of maturity of digital transformation and reliance on modern technology in conducting work in the government sector in 198 countries around the world. The report divided the countries included into 4 groups, the first of which was Group A, which included "the global leaders in government technology maturity", which included 43 countries, including the UAE, Canada, the United States, Switzerland, Britain, France, and Japan, which were ranked "very high" in the maturity of technology adopted in government digital transformation processes, as countries in this category had innovative solutions and distinguished practices. Group B includes countries that have achieved a "high" rank in government technology maturity and have large investments and good practices in government technology in most of the report’s themes, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Russia, China, Jordan, Tunisia, Uzbekistan, Ireland. The third group (c) included countries whose governments have improvements in government digital transformation technology and have active efforts in digital government practices, while the fourth group (d) came to express countries with minimal focus on digital government initiatives. UAE Centennial Eng. Majid Sultan Al Mesmar, Director General of TDRA said: "The GovTech report from the World Bank represents a new milestone in the UAE’s march towards a sustainable digital future that includes both government and society, in implementation of the UAE Centennial Vision 2071, which was defined by our wise leadership. These include a forward-looking government, a diversified knowledge economy, and a more cohesive society." He added: "This achievement represents a natural reflection of the spirit of solidarity and one team that prevailed throughout the digital transformation process at the national level, including the federal and local governments as well as the private sector, and we do not forget the role of society through its active participation through digital platforms in the development of services and policies followed, which ultimately aim to achieve the highest levels of happiness for all in the UAE." Ambitious goals For her part, Hanan Mansour Ahli, Acting Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center, said: "The UAE is proceeding thanks to the vision and directives of the wise leadership for the next fifty years with ambitious goals that foresee the future, and consolidate the culture of excellence in being at the forefront of the countries of the world at various levels, and the digital, technical and scientific excellence of the UAE is a key pillar in its development and economic process." Ahli affirmed: "The UAE’s solutions within Group A, which is ranked the highest globally in the GovTech Digital Maturity Report issued by the World Bank, are new evidence of its leadership regionally and globally in the field of government digital transformation, in addition to its rich balance in global competitiveness reports, as the country ranked first globally in 121 competitive indicators, and first in the Arab world in 496 indicators, despite the rapid transformations in the global competitiveness map and the successive developments in the global economy, which makes The UAE experience is an icon from which to inspire the countries of the region and the world in the march of global competitiveness." Discriminate global The World Bank report based its classification on four main axes: "main government systems", "public service delivery", "community participation", and "government enablers for technological transformation", and pointed to the UAE’s global excellence in all axes, under which 48 indicators fall, the UAE achieved the full mark in 31 of them, which qualified it to be in group (A) the highest in the world, which includes countries that obtained a score ranging from 0.75 to 1.00 "full mark" in The maturity of government technologies, the only Arab country to join Group A, and participated with Israel alone in the top of the Middle East and North Africa countries within the same group, achieving a score of 0.80 on the index, knowing that the global average did not exceed 0.52, while countries in other groups obtained a score of 0.74 or less. A pioneering experience The report devoted a special space to reviewing the UAE’s experience in digital transformation, and pointed out that it is one of the most mature countries in the world in the field of digital government services provided to society, and touched on its adoption of the Fourth Industrial Revolution Strategy and the Artificial Intelligence Strategy. The National Innovation Strategy and the UAE Blockchain Strategy 2021. The report pointed out that the digital transformation strategy in the country aims to adopt advanced technologies and use them to convert 50% of government transactions at the federal level to the "blockchain" platform, and expected that government procedures in Dubai will become completely paperless by the end of 2021, which leads to the dispensation of more than one billion papers that were used in government transactions every year. The report concluded by presenting the UAE’s experience by detailing the results obtained in the four axes, and the indicators in which it excelled to exceed global averages, as the country won 0.60 in the "main government systems", noting that the global average is 0.48. The UAE achieved 0.92 in the "Providing Public Services" axis, while the global average did not exceed 0.61, and it won 0.88 in the "community participation" axis, while the global average did not exceed 0.46, and the country achieved 0.79 in the axis of "government enablers for technological transformation", while the global average was 0.53. It is worth noting that the World Bank’s GovTech Digital Maturity Report is the most comprehensive measure For digital transformation in the government sector, as it highlights the most important practices for designing digital transformation projects in the world.
The National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals has launched its second report on sustainability initiatives in the UAE’s private sector, titled “Data Sharing Plans between Public and Private Sectors.” This is part of the committee’s efforts to accelerate achievements of Sustainable Development Goals in the UAE by highlighting partnerships between the public and private sectors in statistical data exchange.
The new report, prepared in collaboration between the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) on SDGs, and Kearney Consulting, was announced during a conference held by the National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals specifically for the report’s release. Dialogue sessions were also conducted during the conference to discuss ways to accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals in the country through data exchange partnerships between the public and private sectors.
His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, stated: “The government of the UAE recognizes the importance of data and its representation as a real asset for future governments, considering it one of the most important tools in developing government services. Therefore, we work under the directives of wise leadership to develop an innovative system for government work based on data and artificial intelligence. This system aims to enhance efficiency levels by harnessing artificial intelligence and data in various vital sectors. It focuses on enhancing integration between the government and private sectors in designing and implementing initiatives and projects aimed at building a better future.”
He further added that the world’s ongoing changes present significant challenges for governments, requiring high efficiency in decision-making and ensuring the continuity of their operations, especially in vital sectors. The government of the UAE has provided a unique model in adapting to these changes through strategic initiatives and government programs, particularly in supporting vital sectors in the country. These sectors have benefited from advanced digital and technological infrastructure, emphasizing the government’s investment in their development and utilization to achieve sustainable development goals and the country’s directions for the next fifty years.
Partnerships
The report provides comprehensive studies focusing on the importance of building partnerships and collaboration between the government and private sectors in the areas of data sharing. It addresses companies’ concerns regarding data sharing and ways to overcome them, emphasizing the importance of respecting privacy in data sharing operations and ensuring complete confidentiality. This involves not disclosing private data and limiting its use to support decision-making and design strategic initiatives that enhance societal well-being. Additionally, the report highlights the significance of supporting national statistical data with insights from the private sector, contributing to the development of initiatives and ideas aimed at improving overall performance to achieve sustainable development goals.
During her speech at the conference, Hanan Mansour Ahli, Acting Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center, representing the General Secretariat of the National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals, welcomed the attendees and thanked all parties that contributed to the report. She emphasized the importance of partnership between the government and private sectors in the field of data exchange.
She stated, “Partnership between the public and private sectors is one of the goals that the National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals is committed to achieving, and the process of exchanging and sharing data is one of the most essential elements of that partnership. Governments can adapt to global changes and launch initiatives and plans based on visions that reflect the requirements of both the public and private sectors. The government of the UAE spares no effort to effectively enhance partnership with the private sector and support the exchange of statistical data within a national framework that overcomes challenges.”
Changes
The report mentions that, in a time marked by numerous and rapid economic, social, and technological changes globally, the importance of partnerships between government and private entities and their joint efforts toward achieving progress and sustainable prosperity for societies become evident. Through successful initiatives and experiences covered in the report, the United Arab Emirates has become a global model in governing the implementation of sustainable development goals and harnessing innovative partnerships in the field of data exchange between the public and private sectors.
Huda Bouhamed, Chief Marketing Officer at Dubai Holding and Deputy Chair of PSAC, commented, “Amid the efforts made by the UAE to achieve sustainable development and economic diversification, commitment to supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals for 2030 remains a government priority. Here, the role of the private sector comes as a pivotal supporter of the government’s efforts to achieve sustainable development goals, with data sharing being a highly important area that can contribute to this. While most available data belongs to the private sector, enhancing collaboration between the public and private sectors is crucial within these efforts. The research paper we revealed today proposes a framework to overcome current obstacles, identifies facilitators of successful data sharing, and offers recommendations to help us move forward in achieving the desired sustainable development goals.”
Data
Rudolph Lohmeyer, Partner and Head of the National Transformation Institute at Kearney, stated, “The government’s interest in the private sector is growing more significantly, and the perception of it has shifted as a key player in achieving sustainable development goals, especially regarding data production. Data has become immensely valuable due to digital transformation and increasing technological advancements, turning data into an invaluable asset. Through collaboration between the public and private sectors in the field of data exchange, the UAE possesses outstanding performance in achieving sustainable development goals, and it can enhance this performance.”
Study
The report includes a study of programs and initiatives supporting sustainability launched by 12 private sector entities within the Advisory Council. These encompass diverse sectors such as renewable energy, real estate development, retail, aviation, land and maritime transport services. They have contributed to supporting the country’s efforts in promoting a culture of sustainability in the private sector and advancing towards achieving the 2030 Global Sustainability Agenda.
The report concludes with recommendations to enhance and expand data sharing between the public and private sectors to achieve further progress and accomplishments related to sustainable development goals. The full version of the report can be accessed by visiting the website of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre at fcsc.gov.ae.
SDGs Talk with HE Maitha Al Shamsi, Minister of State
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