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DATA FOR A BETTER FUTURE

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The National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals stresses the importance of the availability of modern data and statistics to introduce the country’s efforts globally

19 Sep 2024

The National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals stressed the importance of the availability of modern data and statistics to introduce the UAE’s efforts globally in all vital sectors, and the need to expand the base of specialized national experts to facilitate the implementation of sustainable development goals, enhance efforts to ensure data standardization, improve the quality of associated reports, and improve coordination levels between national and international bodies to ensure transparency and reduce duplication in efforts to accelerate the achievement of global goals.

This came during the third meeting of the committee chaired by Abdullah Nasser Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Knowledge Exchange and Chairman of the National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals, and in the presence of Her Excellency Maria Hanif Al Qassim, Assistant Undersecretary for Economic Policies and Studies Sector at the Ministry of Economy, His Excellency Nasser Ismail, Assistant Undersecretary for Social Welfare Affairs at the Ministry of Community Development, Her Excellency Eng. Alia Abdul Rahim Al Harmoodi, Assistant Undersecretary for Sustainable Communities Sector at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, and His Excellency Hassan Obaid Al Muhairi, Assistant Undersecretary for Policies and Economic Studies Sector in Ministry of Education.

The meeting was also attended by HE Hanan Mansour Ahli, Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center, HE Colonel Dr. Rashid Khalfan Al Dhakhri, Deputy Director of the General Department of Strategy and Performance Development at the Ministry of Interior, HE Rashid Mohammed Al Hemeiri, Director of the Development and International Cooperation Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Eng. Nawal Yousef Al Hinai, Director of the Future Energy Department at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure.

Abdullah Lootah stressed that the UAE leadership focuses on enhancing investment in national talents and cadres in order to enhance their participation in achieving the country’s future visions and directions, and enhance its contribution to advancing and accelerating efforts to achieve sustainable development goals, stressing the importance of integration in the national effort and expanding cooperation, partnership and coordination at the international level to achieve global development goals.

Abdullah Lootah said that the National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals has worked since its inception to support national initiatives aimed at achieving the sustainable development goals, and to enhance national capacity-building efforts to enable them to participate in this global march, which reflects the keenness of the country. The UAE is actively involved in creating a better future for future generations.

During the meeting, the members of the committee stressed the importance of enhancing transparency in the exchange of data between national and international bodies to ensure consistency of reports and achieve integration between the concerned parties, and reviewed a number of successful international experiences in improving data systems and the possibility of benefiting from them in supporting the national system for data collection and analysis.

The meeting stressed the importance of focusing on achieving sustainability indicators comprehensively through coordination at the national and global levels and improving data flow, in addition to focusing on building the capacity of national task forces through training programs that adopt continuous learning to ensure the sustainability of data quality, and discussed ways to improve the availability of data related to the sustainable development goals, the main challenges in the subject of data, in terms of its quality and flow, and efforts to apply international standards in data collection.

The meeting reviewed the latest developments in the work of the Committee in ensuring the continuation of data collection related to the Sustainable Development Goals, coordinating meetings to review indicators, and continuing to work in partnership with international organizations to build Capacity in the field of methodologies for calculating indicator data, and working with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) on a plan to harmonize and update data, review data availability and the rate of achievement of data indicators.

Members of the committee discussed ways to enhance work and coordination with the concerned authorities to spread the culture of sustainability and awareness of the sustainable development goals, and activate community partnerships to highlight the UAE’s efforts in this field.

The members of the committee were briefed on the achievements of joint work to achieve the sustainable development goals, as the last period witnessed the participation of more than 350 people in meetings that dealt with enhancing cooperation with 34 international organizations, as well as cooperation with 37 federal and local government agencies, in addition to the implementation of more than 100 hours of workshops and events, and the focus was on building national capacities through 24 workshops, while 27 technical meetings were held to follow up on the implementation of the national plan.

The participants learned about the level of progress in achieving the sustainable development goals through the National Data Plan, which increased during 2024 to 58%, compared to 42% achieved last year. The global achievement rate of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) this year is 17%, according to the recently announced by UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

It is noteworthy that the National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals undertakes a number of key tasks, including coordinating with the concerned authorities to align and review national policies, strategies and targets with the sustainable development goals, building and strengthening national capacities to achieve sustainable development goals and face challenges through partnerships locally and globally, preparing national reports on the country’s results and efforts to achieve the sustainable development goals, and coordinating with the authorities to prepare and disseminate data related to sustainable development goals at the state level.

UAE’s GDP hits AED430 billion in Q1 2024

09 Sep 2024

ABU DHABI, 9th September, 2024 — Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, said that the preliminary estimates of the UAE’s GDP growth in the Q1 2024, issued by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC), underline the resilience and vitality of the national economy and exemplify its ability to continue on the path of sustainable growth.

He highlighted that the country’s real GDP reached AED430 billion in Q1 2024, recording a remarkable growth of 3.4 percent compared to the same period in 2023, while the non-oil GDP grew by 4 percent compared to the same period last year.

"Under the guidance of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the country adopted an innovative economic model that supports its future vision, along with effective national economic strategies, enhancing openness to the world, promoting partnerships, and transitioning towards an economic model based on flexibility and innovation," Bin Touq added.

He emphasised that the national economy’s positive results reinforce achieving the economic objectives of the "We the UAE 2031" vision, which includes raising the country’s GDP to AED3 trillion by the next decade.

Hanan Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, said, "The financial and economic data and indicators endorsing the growth of the UAE’s GDP Q1 2024 reflect the resilience of the country’s vital economic sectors. It highlights the effectiveness of the concerted efforts to implement wise leadership’s directives to enhance sustainable economic diversification, reduce dependence on oil, promote investments, and attract capital and innovative and emerging projects to the country."

She added that the UAE’s advanced rankings in multiple global economic competitiveness indicators can be attributed to several factors, including the stability of the financial system, the strength of the national economy, and the effectiveness of economic legislation and policies applied in the country, besides their ability to adapt to changes and face regional and global challenges.

Based on the data released by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, financial and insurance activities have emerged as the leading non-oil economic sector contributing to the UAE’s GDP growth, with a remarkable growth of 7.9 percent. This growth can be attributed to the significant increase in the local credit granted to the private sector, which led to a six percent growth and positively impacted the rebound of non-oil economic activities.

Following closely behind in the second place are transportation and storage activities, which grew 7.3 percent. This growth was driven by a notable increase in the number of travellers at the country’s airports during the first three months of this year, reaching 36.5 million travellers, a growth rate of 14.7 percent compared to the same period last year.

The UAE’s ports have demonstrated exceptional performance during this time, with Dubai’s international ports witnessing a 3.7 percent growth in the number of containers handled, while Abu Dhabi’s ports experienced a 36 percent increase in cargo handling volume on an annual basis.

Ranking third, construction and building activities experienced a growth rate of 6.2 percent, which aligns with the several development projects initiated by the UAE government in early 2024. They saw a substantial rise in the government’s public capital expenditures, reaching AED4.8 billion, compared to that of Q1 2023.

The restaurant and hotel sector secured the fourth spot with a 4.6 percent growth during the first quarter of 2024 compared to the corresponding period in 2023. Moreover, the UAE emerged at the forefront of the global tourism landscape, attracting a substantial number of tourists from around the world.

In particular, Dubai witnessed a remarkable influx of 5.18 million international tourists, representing an 11 percent increase compared to the corresponding period in 2023. Abu Dhabi also maintained its exceptional performance in key tourism indicators, including the average hotel occupancy rates and revenue per available rooms.

Trade activities made the largest contribution to the non-oil GDP, accounting for 16.1 percent. Manufacturing activities come in second at 14.6 percent, with financial and insurance activities ranking third at a rate of 13.4 percent.

Construction and building activities contribute 11.8 percent, followed by real estate activities with a contribution of 7.1 percent.

Discussing efforts to achieve Gulf statistical excellence at the global level

20 Aug 2024

The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center discussed with a delegation from the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, the national and joint efforts of the GCC countries towards achieving global statistical excellence, and the two sides discussed ways to enhance fruitful cooperation frameworks and expand areas of future partnerships.

This came within a visit by the delegation of the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, headed by Intisar bint Abdullah Al-Wahaibi, Director General of the Center, during which she met with Hanan Mansour Ahli, Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center and the Federal Center team.

The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre plays an active role in the Standing Committee for Statistical Work Affairs of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, which includes the heads and directors of national statistical agencies in the member states, in addition to a representative from the General Secretariat of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, and the Director General of the Gulf Statistical Center, and the Committee supports the Gulf statistical work roadmap, efforts to harmonize and coordinate work in the region and enhance statistical capacities in the demographic, social, economic, environmental, energy and tourism sectors. Methodologies and data quality, indicators of development, progress and sustainability, information and statistical awareness.

National Projects

The meeting discussed the strategic national statistical projects of the UAE, their role in serving development programs at the national and international levels, and their contribution to improving the UAE’s competitiveness in global reports and indicators and achieving the goals of sustainable development 2030, and the meeting praised the role of the GCC Statistical Center in monitoring figures and statistics concerned with vital sectors in the GCC countries, and introducing the experience and specificity of the GCC countries and what they represent of a unified economic and social bloc, in addition to supporting National strategic decision-making and planning processes for current and future Gulf projects.

Strengthening Gulf work mechanisms

Hanan Mansour Ahli affirmed the firm commitment of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre in the UAE, to support the strengthening of the mechanisms of joint statistical work of the Gulf statistical centers, and the employment of modern and innovative technologies and harnessing big data science and artificial intelligence to serve the development of vital sectors and keep pace with international practices In the field of statistics.

She praised the efforts and initiatives of the Statistical Center for the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, and its effective role in raising the efficiency of the Gulf statistical system.

UAE Model For

her part, Intisar bint Abdullah Al Wahaibia praised the efforts of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center in highlighting the UAE’s pioneering statistical model, which was reflected in her selection as a member of the United Nations Statistical Commission for the period 2025-2028, noting that the UAE’s membership in the United Nations Statistical Commission contributes to strengthening the joint Gulf statistical work.

She said that the distinguished level of cooperation between national statistical centers and agencies in the GCC countries represents an important factor in promoting joint Gulf action, implementing the strategic plan for joint Gulf statistical work, harmonizing national statistical strategies with international best practices in this field, and exchanging knowledge and experiences to enhance statistical capabilities at the level of the GCC countries.

Enhancing Gulf statistical cooperation

The meeting discussed ways to benefit from the UAE’s hosting of the regional headquarters of the United Nations Big Data Platform, and to enhance Cooperation between the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center and the Gulf Statistical Center in this field in light of the capabilities provided by the platform that support the development of accurate official statistics, build capacities for the use of big data and data science in statistical authorities in the region, benefit from successful practices and exchange experiences and knowledge in employing modern technology for data analysis, in a way that contributes to innovating solutions and developing distinguished services that enhance efforts to achieve sustainable development goals, and create an incubating and supportive environment for innovators in the field of advanced data science in Gulf states.

The meeting discussed projects and initiatives related to linking and integrating statistical data between the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center and the Gulf Statistical Center, which include data collection, exchange, processing and dissemination automatically and securely, to support the preparation of statistical reports and studies in many fields in the GCC countries, which contributes to strengthening joint Gulf action.

Preparations of statistical center’s

The meeting touched on the preparations of the official statistical centers in the GCC countries and the Statistical Center for the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf. To celebrate the Gulf Statistics Day, which falls on December 24, 2024, which will be celebrated by the Center with all statistical centers and agencies in the GCC countries on December 9, 2024, in order to emphasize the importance of statistics and its role in the development planning process, and to consolidate the partnership between the countries of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf to improve and develop the statistical environment.

It is worth mentioning that the establishment of the Statistical Center for the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf was announced and the adoption of the Omani capital Muscat as its permanent headquarters in December 2012, to represent an official source of data, information and statistics of the GCC countries, and its statute was adopted by the Supreme Council of the Cooperation Council, which includes Their Majesties and Highnesses the heads of member states: the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Sultanate of Oman, the State of Qatar and the State of Kuwait.

UAE calls on countries around the world to strengthen partnerships and cooperation in intensifying efforts to achieve SDG 17

22 Jul 2024

The delegation of the State of U.A.E. to the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development 2024 in New York, at the conclusion of the annual UN event, affirmed that the UAE adopts a flexible and constantly evolving cooperative model that aims to expand partnerships, knowledge exchange and fruitful and sustainable development work globally, in a way that supports the achievement of the sustainable development goals set by the United Nations for the year 2030, and foresees the prospects for sustainable development for individuals, communities and the planet.

His Excellency Abdullah Nasser Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Knowledge Exchange and Competitiveness and Chairman of the National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals, stressed in the speech of the UAE delegation delivered at the end of his participation in the UN Forum at the United Nations Headquarters, that the UAE continues, under the directives of the wise leadership, to support the achievement of sustainable development goals by strengthening partnership agreements, exchanging knowledge, implementing bilateral and joint development projects, and providing assistance that has a sustainable impact.

Abdullah Lootah said: "The UAE will continue its approach of partnership and cooperation for the good of societies and peoples. By aligning its external aid strategy with the Sustainable Development Goals, in 2022 it amounted to more than US$3.4 billion, of which 83% was development aid, and the Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives spent about AED 1.8 billion positively impacting the lives of more than 100 million beneficiaries, the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development invested nearly US$60 billion to more than 100 countries, and the Emirates Red Crescent provided 54% of its total assistance to support global development initiatives.

Since the launch of the government’s knowledge exchange program, it has concluded agreements with more than 35 countries, implemented more than 367 initiatives, and trained more than 3.2 million government employees.

During a session on the sixth goal of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which is concerned with clean water and hygiene issues, Lootah stressed the importance of promoting global climate action as a key supporter of achieving the rest of the sustainable development goals, and pointed to the UAE’s commitment with the countries of the world to accelerate the pace of achieving development goals. Climate (COP28) We united around the "UAE Agreement", which was described as the most ambitious and comprehensive agreement since the Paris Agreement, and the presidency of the Conference launched the tripartite "Troika of Chairs of the Conferences of the Parties" aimed at uniting efforts until the thirtieth session.

Abdullah Lootah called on UN organizations, international institutions and governments to join the UAE’s efforts to foresee the future of the sustainable development goals beyond 2030 and for the next two decades leading up to 2045, recalling the first-of-its-kind report issued by the UAE at this session of the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, which examines the global path to achieving the 2045 Sustainable Development Goals.

We invite everyone to join us to renew commitment to the development agenda for the next two decades, and to develop an integrated system that looks forward to the future, based on international cooperation, through the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals 2045, which the UAE contributes to developing and developing to build a future path in which we are stronger and more capable. A path for our future generations.

(United Nations High-Level Political Forum)

The High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), the main platform of the United Nations on sustainable development, has played a pivotal role since its inception in 2012, in following up and reviewing what has been implemented at the country level in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

This edition of the International Forum was held under the theme "Promoting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Eradicating Poverty in Times of Multiple Crises… Implementing sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions effectively", and throughout the period from 8 to 17 July 2024, delegates participating in this year’s edition of the Forum worked on in-depth revisions of five of the Sustainable Development Goals: Goal 1 to eradicate poverty in all its forms everywhere, Goal 2 to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture, Goal 13 to support climate action and call for urgent action to combat climate change and its repercussions, and Goal 16 to promote Inclusive peaceful societies to achieve sustainable development, provide justice for all and build effective and efficient institutions, and Goal 17, which focuses on global partnerships to promote Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Participants at HLPF: UAE’s Robust Commitment to Enhancing International Cooperation for Achieving Global SDGs

22 Jul 2024

Officials and leaders from the UAE delegation at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development 2024 in New York affirmed the UAE’s strong commitment to enhancing international cooperation to achieve global sustainable development goals. In statements following their participation, they emphasised the importance of continued efforts to accelerate the implementation of these goals.

Rashid Al Mansouri: HLPF Provided a Platform to Highlight ERC’s Experience

H.E. Rashid Mubarak Al Mansouri, Secretary-General of Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), highlighted that the participation in the United Nations HLPF on Sustainable Development 2024 provided a platform to showcase the Authority’s sustainable development initiatives. These initiatives address social, economic, and environmental dimensions, optimise resource use to meet community needs, and aim to combat poverty, hunger, disease, and climate change; challenges that threaten societal stability and development. He emphasised that sustainability is crucial for mitigating these risks.

Al Mansouri stated that the Emirates Red Crescent implements initiatives that aim to create a lasting positive impact on people’s lives. The development projects focus on fragile communities and address key areas such as food sustainability, health, education, and essential services like electricity, water, sanitation, and clean energy. Additionally, the projects include infrastructure development, such as constructing housing units and facilities for refugees and displaced persons, and supporting their stability to enhance their productivity and integration into local communities.

Mohammed Al Suwaidi: UAE’s Historic Achievements in Advancing Development Goals

H.E. Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, stated that under the guidance of its wise leadership, the United Arab Emirates has achieved remarkable milestones in supporting sustainable development goals and fostering global economic cooperation. The UAE’s efforts have established a unique model for assisting developing countries in addressing economic and development challenges.

Al Suwaidi added: “The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development receiving the United Nations Small Island Developing States Partnerships Award 2024 exemplifies the Fund’s and its strategic partners’ forward-looking vision. This recognition underscores their commitment to finding innovative and effective solutions for accelerating the transition to renewable energy, empowering communities, and building capacities as key components of a comprehensive strategy for sustainable development in developing countries".

H.E. Dr. Alanoud Alhaj, Assistant Under-Secretary for Green Development and Climate Change at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, emphasised that the UAE’s climate action is centred on achieving sustainable development goals. These include ensuring access to adequate and affordable food, quality education, health care, and the optimal use of resources.

Dr. Alhaj added: “The UAE is dedicated to enhancing food security and advancing towards SDG 2 (Zero Hunger). Through strategic planning, innovative solutions, and international collaboration, we are making significant progress in eliminating hunger, improving food security, and promoting sustainable agriculture on a global scale".

She further noted that, amid the challenges of climate change, such as global warming and environmental degradation, it is crucial to recognise their impact on economic, social, and health outcomes. To address these challenges, a unified strategy for sustainable development is essential. Specifically, SDG 13 (Climate Action) is closely connected to goals addressing water scarcity, hunger, health, economic growth, and other critical issues.

Dana Al Marzooqi: Achieving Sustainable Development Goals as a Pillar of the UAE’s Vision and Mission

Lieutenant Colonel Dana Humaid Al Marzooqi, Director-General of the International Affairs Bureau at the Ministry of Interior, said: “The UAE has long recognised the vital connection between sustainability, security, and climate action. Therefore, we, together with our partners at the United Nations and beyond, are committed to leading global efforts to ensure that everyone can live a life of dignity".

Mohamed Al Ramahi: Committed to Climate Action Through a Just Energy Transition

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar), stated that Masdar is committed to climate action through a fair and equitable energy transition and by supporting countries and communities in achieving their net zero targets. With global partnerships and projects spanning over 40 countries across six continents, Masdar is committed to increasing renewable energy production capacity to 100 gigawatts by 2030. This goal aligns with the UAE’s historic agreement to triple global renewable energy production capacity by the same year.

During the “Sustainable Development Forum 2024”. The Government Knowledge Exchange Office organizes a session on international efforts to accelerate the achievement of Goal 17

21 Jul 2024

The UAE Government Knowledge Exchange Office organized as part of the activities of the UAE delegation at the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development 2024 in New York. A pivotal session on the central role of the principle of building and expanding bilateral strategic partnerships at the international level in accelerating the achievement of the 17 sustainable development goals adopted by the United Nations for the year 2030 with a global consensus, where the UAE delegation presented the country’s pioneering model in concluding partnerships whose sustainable impact is reflected in developing the work of governments and supporting the growth paths of economies and societies. The session, titled ‘Building and Strengthening Impactful Partnerships to Accelerate the Achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals’, addressed the UAE’s efforts at the level of international cooperation in exchanging experiences and successful models with the seventeenth goal of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which is "Partnerships to achieve the Goals".

The session showcased the UAE government’s knowledge-sharing partnership approach with more than 37 countries and governments around the world.

The session was organized with the aim of documenting the global impact of the government knowledge exchange program and its role in achieving The objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 17, which is concerned with activating global partnerships for sustainable development, including governments, the private sector and civil society, as this documentation of achievements will contribute to enriching academic institutions with the information and data required to measure and monitor the progress of partnership development and their direct and indirect contribution to the achievement of other sustainable development goals.

The session was attended by His Excellency Abdullah Nasser Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Knowledge Exchange and Competitiveness and Chairman of the National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals, His Excellency Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, Her Excellency Dr. Alanoud Al Hajj, Assistant Undersecretary for Green Development and Climate Change, Lt. Col. Dana Humaid Al Marzouqi, Director General of the International Affairs Office at the Ministry of Interior, Hashem Al Attas, Senior Portfolio Manager for the Middle East and North Africa at Masdar, in addition to experts, academics and makers. Decision, and government officials from Rwanda, Mongolia, Serbia, Malaysia, Malta, Uzbekistan and Fiji.

The session was moderated by Afshin Molavi, Senior Fellow, Institute for Foreign Policy at the College of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University.

The session discussed the value of influential partnerships in promoting progress towards achieving sustainable development goals, through government modernization, supporting positive transformations, and consolidating partnership concepts that support countries, governments and societies in achieving sustainable development goals and transforming future challenges into opportunities. The roundtable session then turned into a workshop on the future of partnerships in accelerating the achievement of the five goals focused on the 2024 edition of the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development: Goal 1 to eradicate poverty in all its forms everywhere, Goal 2 to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture, Goal 13 to support climate action and call for urgent action to combat climate change and its repercussions, and Goal 16 to promote peaceful societies. inclusive of all categories to achieve sustainable development, provide justice for all and build effective and efficient institutions; Goal 17, which focuses on global partnerships to promote the implementation of development goals.

The participants were distributed from Academics, researchers, government officials and experts in groups, each group discussed one of the sustainable development goals under discussion, where they prepared in brainstorming a series of practical recommendations to promote accelerated international partnerships to achieve sustainable development for the future, foremost of which is the call for the exchange of knowledge and expertise, the sharing of best experiences and practices, and inter- and international cooperation at the level of governments, UN organizations, international institutions and development programs to reach the goal of sustainable development and preserve the planet’s resources for future generations.

The first group included H.E. Dr. Alanoud Al Hajj, Assistant Undersecretary for Green Development and Climate Change, H.E. Ambassador Ernest Rwamusio, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Rwanda to the United Nations, H.E. Chinokhai Pat Ardenni, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of Mongolia to the United Nations, and H.E. Mohamed Raslan, First Secretary for Agricultural Affairs at the Malaysian Embassy in Washington.

The group discussed the achievements of the government knowledge exchange program and its impact on the first two development goals of eradicating poverty in all its forms. The second goal is to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.

Participants in the first group addressed the role of technological innovations in efforts to combat poverty, and the importance of investment and policy development to increase the contribution of education and health care to reducing global poverty levels.

The session also touched on global trade policies and market movement and their impact on food access to all countries and their role in reducing hunger and improving global food security.

The second group addressed Goal 13, which supports climate action and calls for urgent action to combat climate change and its repercussions, and included Lieutenant Colonel Dana Humaid Al Marzouqi, Director General of the International Affairs Office at the Ministry of Interior, Her Excellency Marta Arsowska Tomovska, Advisor to the Speaker of Parliament of the Republic of Serbia and Special Envoy for Expo 2027 in Belgrade, Joseph Caruana, from the Ministry of Environment, Energy and the Grand Port Renovation in Malta, and Hashim Al Attas, Senior Portfolio Manager for the Middle East and North Africa at Masdar.

The second group discussed issues of importance Current globality, such as the role of governments in leading the transition to alternative energy sources, the responsibility of advanced economies in this area and the possibility of playing a greater role in reducing carbon emissions, and ways to support societies to withstand the effects of climate change.

The third group discussed Goal 17, which focuses on global partnerships to enhance the implementation of the SDGs, and was attended by His Excellency Abdullah Nasser Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Knowledge Exchange and Chairman of the National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals, His Excellency Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, His Excellency Shukrat Vavayev, Executive Director of the Uzbekistan Fund for Reconstruction and Development, and His Excellency Viotti Kisonyo, from the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Fiji to the United Nations.

Participants addressed the role of global partnerships in making rapid progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, the role of multilateral financial institutions and the role of concessional loans in supporting sustainable development, and the prospect of partnership between public and private sector institutions in this regard.

The High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development is the main platform. Since its establishment in 2012, it has played a pivotal role in following up and reviewing what has been implemented at the country level in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

This edition of the International Forum was held under the theme "Promoting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Eradicating Poverty in Times of Multiple Crises: Effectively Implementing Sustainable, Resilient and Innovative Solutions".

UAE delegation reviews with representatives of countries and international organizations the country’s efforts to achieve sustainable development goals 2045

18 Jul 2024

The UAE delegation organized a first-of-its-kind session on the importance of global partnerships with governments and international organizations in achieving the 2045 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) during their participation in the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development 2024 in New York.

The session, titled "Government Knowledge Exchange Program: Ministerial Dialogue on the Sustainable Development Goals 2045, Catalyzing Sustainable Development", included HE Abdullah Nasser Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Knowledge Exchange and Competitiveness, HE Mohamed Abu Shehab, UAE Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, HE Rashid Mubarak Al Mansouri, Secretary General of the Emirates Red Crescent, HE Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, and HE Dr. Alanoud Al Hajj, Assistant Undersecretary for Development Affairs. Green and Climate Change, Lieutenant Colonel Dana Humaid Al Marzouqi, Director General of the International Affairs Bureau at the Ministry of Interior, Hashim Al Attas, Senior Portfolio Manager for the Middle East and North Africa at Masdar, and representatives of a number of countries, governments and organizations International institutions, UN programs and knowledge exchange program partners.

During the session, the delegation reviewed the UAE’s successful experience in the government knowledge exchange program, which has achieved since its launch in 2018 strategic knowledge partnerships, bilateral cooperation and fruitful contacts to exchange knowledge and successful government experiences inspired by the UAE experience and the distinguished government work process with more than 35 countries and governments in 5 continents around the world, which supports joint international efforts to achieve sustainable development goals.

His Excellency Abdullah Nasser Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Knowledge Exchange and Chairman of the National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals, stressed that the UAE, with the vision of its wise leadership, has made government modernization and development a pillar of efforts to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development, and has established an advanced global approach to international cooperation and positive partnerships to build new and promising future opportunities, and open comprehensive cooperation horizons in various fields of government work through the government knowledge exchange portal at the global level, which represents one of the most important global programs to achieve The 17th Development Goal and turning it into reality Within the Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations until 2030.

During the session, Lootah stressed the importance of partnership in international events and forums aimed at enhancing opportunities for communication, cooperation and knowledge exchange, monitoring the positive effects of knowledge exchange among all partner parties, and exploring new partnerships for future cooperation that enhances sustainable development to serve communities around the world.

– Paving the way towards the future global agenda.

The session comes as a continuation of the discussions that took place during the "Sustainable Development Goals in Implementation" forum organized by the National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals in the UAE, under the slogan "Sustainable Development Goals 2045: Paving the Way Towards the Future Global Agenda", within the work of the World Government Summit 2024, with the aim of supporting the exchange of best practices to achieve the sustainable development goals and enhance global dialogue around them, and providing an opportunity for world leaders to propose innovative solutions to accelerate the implementation of development goals, face challenges and design future milestones. Sustainable subscriber.

– Global praise for the government’s knowledge exchange program.

Praised Representatives of governments and international organizations participating in the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development stressed the importance of the role of the Government Knowledge Exchange Program and its qualitative global achievements that affect government work models and contribute to capacity building and preparing institutional competencies in the fields of government work, which contributes to enhancing sustainable development efforts in the countries participating in the program.

Pedro Conceição, Director of the Human Development Report Office at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), stressed that the high-level political forum and the event organized by the UAE are an opportunity for learning and knowledge exchange as a framework for the successful achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

For his part, Dr. Abdul Allah Al-Dardari, Director of the Regional Bureau for Arabic States of the United Nations Development Program, said: "I thank the UAE for launching this event and inviting UNDP to this very important dialogue. Following up on the dialogues that took place at the World Government Summit in Dubai, UNDP looks forward to developing an innovative global joint mechanism to support countries in transforming the government sector to be more flexibility, inclusiveness and efficiency."

H.E. Giovanni Basso, Deputy Director of UNHCR in New York, said: "With the number of refugees and displaced people around the world reaching nearly 120 million and their numbers continuing to rise over the past 12 years, we must not lose our focus on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. We must collaborate on Goal 17 by partnering to enable refugees to contribute to economies and social services, refugees must be part of the solutions and they have a lot to contribute."

– International partnerships for development after 2030.

For his part, Ambassador Osama Abdel Khaleq, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Egypt Arabic to the United Nations in New York, stressed that the participation of an expanded high-level Egyptian delegation in the World Government Summit held in Dubai confirms the extent of appreciation for the bilateral partnership in government development between the Republic of Egypt Arabic and the State of U.A.E., which he said has a very vital government.

For his part, HE Ambassador Yasar Aliyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations, said that his country and the UAE launched The year 2022 is a bilateral partnership track for knowledge exchange, sharing experiences in government services, capacity building and government excellence, which constituted an advanced qualitative step in the field of enhancing international cooperation between the governments of the two countries in government development and modernization.

His Excellency Ambassador Ernest Rwamusio, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Rwanda to the United Nations, expressed his hope that his country’s partnerships, including the level of the important bilateral partnership with the UAE, which was signed in February 2023 on the sidelines of the World Government Summit, will contribute to promoting and sustaining progress and growth, wishing to benefit from the eight main areas covered by the Rwandan-UAE bilateral partnership, especially at the level of government accelerators, citizen engagement, and women’s empowerment.

His Excellency Shukert Fafayev, Executive Director of the Reconstruction and Development Fund of the Republic of Uzbekistan, said that bilateral cooperation in government knowledge exchange between his country and the UAE is fruitful, practical and organized, and at the same time comprehensive and flexible, adapting to national and international transformations, such as the rapid developments in the uses of artificial intelligence.

H.E. Marta Arsowska expressed Tomovska, Advisor to the Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Serbia and Special Envoy for Expo 2027 in Belgrade, expressed Serbia’s gratitude for the qualitative partnership between her and the UAE, and for honoring her achievements at the level of government development and government innovation at the World Government Summit in Dubai, stressing that her country was inspired in presenting its bid to host Expo Serbia 2027 from the qualitative success of Expo 2020, which was hosted by the UAE, in which it focused on the future and sustainability.

– Practical examples of knowledge partnerships with countries and international organizations.

Members of the participating UAE delegation reviewed practical models and tangible achievements of fruitful and influential global partnerships with a number of countries around the world such as the Republic of Egypt Arabic, the Republic of Serbia, the Republic of Uzbekistan, Rwanda and Azerbaijan, in the presence of representatives of a number of UAE partner countries within the government knowledge exchange program.

– Emirati commitment and international impact.

The speakers presented the common points between the UAE Government Knowledge Exchange Program, which was launched in 2018 and works on more than 100 action tracks to enhance governance and accelerate the achievement of national and international agendas. Among the goals set and approved by the United Nations in 2016 to achieve sustainable development by 2030, especially the first and second goals to eradicate poverty and hunger, the thirteenth goal to promote climate action, the sixteenth goal to build peace, justice and strong institutions, and the seventeenth goal to establish partnerships to achieve the goals.

Participants stressed the role of knowledge exchange in consolidating the UAE’s commitment to building bridges and pillars of sustainable development around the world, based on the qualitative achievements made by the country in government excellence and economic development, noting the importance of exchanging knowledge, experiences and innovations in various government sectors, devoting best practices, and stimulating continuous innovation for sustainable growth at all levels.

– The United Nations High-Level Political Forum.

The High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) is the main platform of the United Nations on sustainable development issues and, since its establishment in 2012, has played a pivotal role in following up and reviewing what has been implemented at the country level in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The This edition of the International Forum is under the theme "Promoting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Eradicating Poverty in Times of Multiple Crises: Effectively Implementing Sustainable, Resilient and Innovative Solutions".

Delegates participating in this year’s edition of the Forum worked on in-depth revisions of five of the Sustainable Development Goals: Goal 1 to eradicate poverty in all its forms everywhere, Goal 2 to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture, Goal 13 to support climate action and call for urgent action to combat climate change and its repercussions, and Goal 16 to promote peaceful and inclusive societies to achieve sustainable development, provide justice for all and build effective and efficient institutions. Performance; and Goal 17, which focuses on global partnerships to enhance the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

UAE underscores the importance of advanced healthcare systems for achieving development globally at the HLPF on Sustainable Development in New York

15 Jul 2025

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.

UAE shares model for women empowerment and gender equality with international community

19 Jul 2025

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.

UAE inaugurates first-of-its-kind SDG exhibition at UN HQ

20 Jul 2025

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.

UAE shapes sustainable development future through 2045 SDG report and global survey

22 Jul 2025

Report outlines five priorities for global development post-2030, backed by insights from a 55-country survey and grounded in UAE-led foresight and international cooperation.
20245 XSDGs Global Survey finds: 94.7% support moving beyond economic indicators, 85.4% support participatory policymaking, 70% back cross-sector approaches, 67.8% support regionally adaptable goals, and 64.9% believe AI and digitisation are more impactful than traditional policies.

Dubai- New York, UN, 22 July 2025: The UAE launched the 2025 edition of the 2045 XSDGs Report at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York City, as part of the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development 2025, organised by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs.

This took place at the headquarters of the United Nations, where H.E. Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Knowledge Exchange, Chair of the National Committee on SDGs welcomed the high-level attendees of the launch event, which included Her Excellency Savanna Maziya, Minister of Information and Communication Technology of the Kingdom of Eswatini, His Excellency Victor Verdon, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Paraguay, Her Excellency Seema Sami Iskander Bahouth, Executive Director of UN Women, His Excellency Eliot Minchenberg, Director of the UNESCO Office for Communication in New York and UNESCO Representative to the United Nations, Her Excellency Benjiran Herani Tajuddin, Permanent Representative of Brunei Darussalam to the United Nations, and Her Excellency Tsvai Yelma Sabo, Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the United Nations, while the opening speech was delivered by H.E. Ambassador Mohamed Abushahab, Permanent Representative of the UAE to the UN.

Created by the National Committee on SDGs 2025, the report builds on outcomes from the ministerial session held at the World Government Summit (WGS) 2025, in addition to recommendations from the high-level 2045XDGs roundtable held during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025, and survey responses from the 2045 XDGs Global Survey.

During the forum, the UAE delegation also presented findings from the UAE-led 2045 XDGs Global Survey, which gathered insights from participants across 55 countries, spanning a wide range of age groups and academic disciplines.

Redefining Global Development Goals 2045

Titled “Envisioning 2045: Inclusive Pathways to Sustainable Development,” the report outlines five key priorities: redefining SDGs for 2045; proactively future-proofing economies and societies; enhancing global cooperation at the leadership level; accelerating the transition of global development to a new phase; and establishing a shared international commitment to the future development agenda.

The report positions the transition from current SDGs to a future-ready global framework as a necessary transformation that must be proactive, innovative, agile, and equipped to address emerging challenges.

It also urges governments to embed future foresight into policymaking, calls on the private sector to help shape sustainable development through AI, circular economies, and responsible innovation, and encourages international organisations to apply lessons learned from the current SDGs to build inclusive and adaptable frameworks.

The report emphasises the need to empower communities and individuals – especially women, youth, and vulnerable groups – to take an active role in contributing to the development agenda and shaping the future. It also highlights milestones from the SDGs in Action initiative, organised by WGS in Dubai in 2016, as a platform for advancing global dialogue and collaboration.

The report’s release at UN HLPF reflects the UAE’s broader commitment to accelerating SDG progress, particularly in the five focus areas of this year’s forum: SDG3, SDG5, SDG8, SDG14, and SDG17. These efforts are centred on three core pillars: innovation, partnerships, and strategic insight.

Proactive Approach to Shaping Development Goals

His Excellency Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Experience Exchange and Chair of the National Secretariat on SDGs, described the report as a pivotal milestone in shaping the next twenty years of global sustainable development. He emphasised its foundation in practical pathways for international cooperation and its aim to define more comprehensive and impactful global goals.

H.E. Lootah said, “This report reflects the UAE’s approach – anticipating challenges, strengthening global partnerships, and designing innovative solutions grounded in research, data, and evidence.”

He added: “The UAE is committed to building early global consensus on the 2045 XDG framework, building on lessons learned from the 2030 goals to create a more sustainable and equitable future for all.”

H.E. Lootah noted that while UN’s official discussions on post-2030 development goals will begin in 2027, the UAE has already engaged international thought leaders since 2023. Platforms such as the SDGs in Action Forum at WGS have so far convened over 170 global leaders to shape this vision.

The report stands as a strategic contribution to the future international development agenda, reflecting the UAE’s role as a pioneer in advancing global sustainable development through evidence-based, practical initiatives that anticipate the future and serve humanity.

UAE Call for More Resilient and Inclusive Development Goals
The UAE delegation also presented findings from the 2045 XDGs Global Survey, which gathered insights from participants across 55 countries, spanning a wide range of age groups and academic disciplines. The results highlighted a strong global appetite for rethinking how progress is defined, implemented, and measured beyond 2030.

94.7% of respondents supported expanding the definition of progress to go beyond conventional economic growth indicators. Additionally, 85.4% stated that engaging people in decision-making and policymaking increases their level of engagement and participation in achieving SDGs.

The survey further indicated that 70% of participants backed a collaborative, cross-sector approach to sustainable development that is not limited to the government’s role. Another 67.8% supported the establishment of flexible development goals that can be adapted to regional contexts and priorities. Furthermore, 64.9% of respondents expressed the belief that AI and digitisation will surpass traditional policies in terms of impact and effectiveness in driving results.

UN High-Level Political Forum
The HLPF on Sustainable Development is the UN’s central platform for reviewing and advancing SDGs. Established in 2012, the forum plays a pivotal role in monitoring national and international progress on the 2030 Agenda.

Participating delegations at HLPF conduct assessments of progress toward the SDGs, with this year’s forum featuring in-depth reviews of five priority goals: SDG3 (ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages); SDG5 (achieving equality and empowering all women and girls); SDG8 (promoting sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all); SDG14 (conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development); and SDG17 (strengthening and revitalising the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development).

UAE showcases impact of global development intiatives advancing SDGs at UN forum

24 Jul 2025

UAE delegation presents results of global efforts supporting inclusive economic growth and calls for stronger international cooperation.
Private sector investment, policy innovation, and diplomacy highlighted as drivers of sustainable development.

Dubai-New York. 22 July 2025: The UAE presented the results of its global development initiatives supporting SDG8 during its participation in the 2025 UN High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), reaffirming its commitment to promoting inclusive economic growth and decent work worldwide.

Organised by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs at UN headquarters in New York City, this year’s forum is held under the theme “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals for leaving no one behind.” The UAE’s participation reflects its commitment to a development model rooted in sustainability, opportunity creation, and international partnerships that advance the 2030 Agenda.

Reimagining Economic Growth for People and the Planet

The forum featured a high-impact roundtable titled ‘Beyond 2030: Reimagining Economic Growth for People and Planet’ hosted by the Secretarait of the UAE National Committee on SDGs, the UAE Consulate General in New York, and the UAE-US Business Council.

The session brought together senior UAE officials, including 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; His Excellency Mohammed Abdulrahman AlHawi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Investment; His Excellency Mohammed Ali Rashid Lootah, Director General of Dubai Chambers; Lt. Col. Dr. Ahmad Al Zarooni, Director of International Police Representation, Ministry of Interior and Her Excellency Amna Binzaal Almheiri, UAE Consul General in New York.

The discussion focused on mobilising private sector investment to advance sustainable and inclusive growth. Participants also explored solutions to address global skill gaps and reconfigure international trade frameworks to support development.

Furthermore, the UAE delegation hosted two thematic panels. The first, “Economic Diplomacy in Action,” examined how diplomacy can foster economic resilience and stability in alignment with SDG8. The second, “Vision into Action,” explored policy frameworks that support SDG16 on peace, justice, and strong institutions.

Growth Centred on Cooperation and Partnership

H.E. Lootah, said the UAE’s model for economic growth is shaping the future of work and creating opportunities for new generations at home and abroad.

He added that the UAE has succeeded in building a balanced and diversified economic model grounded in inclusiveness and sustainability, positioning the country as a key contributor to continuous development efforts and solutions to current and future challenges in line with the 2030 Agenda and beyond.

H.E. Lootah emphasised that the importance of establishing global consensus around sustainable economic concepts and future work patterns, especially in the context of setting new global development goals beyond 2045 (XDGs). He noted that the UAE delegation’s participation in the 2025 High-Level Political Forum aligns with this goal, aiming to strengthen partnerships and exchange expertise through strategic initiatives led by the Government Experience Exchange Programme, along with contributions from leading national entities driving inclusive and sustainable development globally.

Investment in Impact

H.E. AlHawi, emphasised that the country’s investment approach is centred on strategic partnerships that foster innovation and long-term growth. This approach is focused on delivering measurable outcomes and lasting impact to support inclusive development, expand economic opportunities, and contribute to broader social advancement.

H.E, AlHawi said: “The UAE is a land of opportunity. We empower youth, entrepreneurs, innovators, and researchers. Under the leadership of the UAE government, the Ministry of Investment supports transformative global investment flows – not only to foster innovation, but to cultivate talent, expand opportunity, and drive sustainable development. This vision has become reality, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to building an integrated ecosystem that supports innovation and enables impactful partnerships. Through an agile regulatory framework, we aim to ensure continued private sector growth in line with the nation’s goal of building a resilient, future-ready economy.”

UN High-Level Political Forum

The HLPF on Sustainable Development is the UN’s central platform for reviewing and advancing SDGs. Established in 2012, the forum plays a pivotal role in monitoring national and international progress on the 2030 Agenda.

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International day of sign language

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, received, at his office at the Amiri Diwan, the members of the Higher Committee for Coordination of Statistical Work at the State level

Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs, President of the UN Sustainable Development

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Intro to UNCEBD Task Team Training Competencies Capacity Level

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“RASMI” Initiative

The “RASMI” accreditation mark aims to:

Highlight the strength of the Unified UAE Numbers to support the UAE’s global competitiveness journey.

Ensure the highest levels of transparency and accuracy in producing national data.

Reduce duplication and support mechanisms for integration and coordination between federal and local data-producing entities.

Enhance community trust in published national data and statistics.

Raise statistical awareness among individuals in society through interactive visual content.

إبـــــراز قـــــوة أرقـــــام الإمـــــارات المـــــوحدة، لدعـــــم مسيـــــرتنــــــا في التنــــــافسيــــــة العــــــالميــــــة.

ضمــــــان أعــلى درجــــــات الشـــــفـــــافيــــة والــــــدقــــة في إنتــــــاج لبيــــانــــــات الـــــــوطنيــــــة.

تعـــــزيـــــــز ثقـــــــة المجتمــــــع فـــــي البيـــــــانــــــات والإحصــــــاءات الــــــوطنيـــــــة المنشـــــــورة.

نشـــــــر الـــــــوعي الإحصـــــــائي بيـــــــن أفــــــراد المـــــــجتمع عبـــــــر محتــــــوى مـــــــرئي تفــــــــاعلي.

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His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, received, at his office at the Amiri Diwan, the members of the Higher Committee for Coordination of Statistical Work at the State level

Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs, President of the UN Sustainable Development

Highlights of H.E Noor AlKhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development

Intro to UNCEBD Task Team Training Competencies Capacity Level

UN Regional Hub for BIG DATA in UAE WEBINAR SERIES

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“RASMI” Initiative

The “RASMI” accreditation mark aims to:

Highlight the strength of the Unified UAE Numbers to support the UAE’s global competitiveness journey.

Ensure the highest levels of transparency and accuracy in producing national data.

Reduce duplication and support mechanisms for integration and coordination between federal and local data-producing entities.

Enhance community trust in published national data and statistics.

Raise statistical awareness among individuals in society through interactive visual content.

مبــــــادرة "رســـــــمي"

تهـــدف علامــــة اعتمــــاد "رســــمي" لـ:

إبـــــراز قـــــوة أرقـــــام الإمـــــارات المـــــوحدة، لدعـــــم مسيـــــرتنــــــا في التنــــــافسيــــــة العــــــالميــــــة.

ضمــــــان أعــلى درجــــــات الشـــــفـــــافيــــة والــــــدقــــة في إنتــــــاج لبيــــانــــــات الـــــــوطنيــــــة.

تعـــــزيـــــــز ثقـــــــة المجتمــــــع فـــــي البيـــــــانــــــات والإحصــــــاءات الــــــوطنيـــــــة المنشـــــــورة.

نشـــــــر الـــــــوعي الإحصـــــــائي بيـــــــن أفــــــراد المـــــــجتمع عبـــــــر محتــــــوى مـــــــرئي تفــــــــاعلي.