Unleashing Sustainable Prosperity: UAE's Exemplary Journey Towards UN SDGs

By: Dr. Chaima Amari

PC: Nextvoyage

In the quest to achieve primary sustainable development goals and secure a balanced life with access to healthcare and education for all, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a global hub under the leadership of H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, becoming a model for implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of Agenda 2030 both domestically and internationally.

The SDGs represent a collective call to action to end poverty, inequality, and protect the planet while ensuring health, justice, and prosperity for all, leaving no one behind. In September 2015, 193 countries of the United Nations, along with numerous stakeholders, embraced this visionary agenda, aiming for global happiness, prosperity, and well-being.

Since then, the UAE has demonstrated unwavering commitment to turning these goals into reality and has become a shining example of sustainable development on the world stage. This commitment was recently reaffirmed during the United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development held in New York from July 10th to 19th.

A high-ranking delegation from the UAE, including representatives from the General Secretariat of the National Committee on SDGs, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, the UAE's Permanent Mission to the United Nations, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), COP28, SDG Young Leaders Programme, Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, and the Government Experience Exchange Programme at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, took the stage to showcase the UAE's sustainable development model.

Throughout the HLPF sessions, the Emirati delegation shared their country's vision, experiences, and efforts in achieving the SDGs outlined in the United Nations Agenda 2030. The UAE, under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is dedicated to accelerating the attainment of these goals and sharing its distinguished experience in development with nations facing challenges in pursuing sustainable development.

Dr. Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO of MBRGI, emphasized the alignment of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives with the 17 SDGs, which includes aiding underprivileged communities worldwide. The UAE's participation in the forum provided an opportunity to showcase their contributions to various goals, such as "No Poverty," "Zero Hunger," "Good Health and Wellbeing," "Clean Water and Sanitation," and more.

Similarly, Dr. Walid Al Ali, an advisor at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives Foundation, highlighted their commitment to supporting international efforts for quality education, as demonstrated by initiatives like the "School Platform" and the "Digital School."

Her Excellency Dr. Nawal Al Hosani, Permanent Representative of the UAE to IRENA, lauded the strategic partnership between the UAE and the US, which entails a joint investment of $100 billion in clean energy projects with a targeted production capacity of 100 gigawatts globally by 2035. This collaborative effort greatly promotes reliance on clean, renewable energy, fostering sustainable development.

Mr. Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, emphasized their dedication to promoting sustainable development globally by providing financial resources and stimulating innovation for positive change, ultimately supporting national plans to implement SDGs and encouraging investment.

The UAE's development approach has been guided by a long-term and strategic vision to achieve sustainable development and become one of the world's leading countries in economic and social progress. Through a relentless pursuit of comprehensive development and prosperity, the UAE has made significant strides in eradicating hunger and poverty, fostering societal cohesion, enhancing education standards, and ensuring access to education for all, aligning with the goals of the 2030 vision.

As a result of the UAE's impressive achievements in fulfilling the UN SDGs, it has become an inspiring model for other countries aspiring to achieve similar development milestones. The UAE's dedication to sustainability and inclusivity demonstrates how nations can make a lasting impact on their citizens' lives and create a brighter future for all.

In conclusion, the UAE's journey towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals showcases a remarkable testament to what vision, dedication, and strategic planning can achieve. By setting an exceptional example, the UAE has become an influential force in shaping a better and more sustainable world for generations to come.

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