Latest news with #2030Agenda
Tourism Breaking News
4 hours ago
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
UAE showcases impact of global development intiatives advancing SDGs at UN forum
Post Views: 53 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. 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. 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. 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.' 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).
Mid East Info
21 hours ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
Abu Dhabi spotlights global marine conservation leadership at UN sustainable development forum - Middle East Business News and Information
EAD highlights the emirate's SDG14 progress through environmental innovation and science-led solutions. Abu Dhabi,July 2025: The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi EAD showcased Abu Dhabi's global leadership in marine conservation and sustainability at the 2025 United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), as part of the UAE's official delegation. Held at the UN headquarters in New York from 14 to 23 July, the HLPF is a central platform for reviewing the progress of the 2030 Agenda. In collaboration with the UAE Government Experience Exchange Office GEEO, and the UAE SDG Secretariat, Her Excellency Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD and Vice Chair of the Global Council on SDG14, participated in a series of high-level sessions advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on SDG 14: Life Below Water . Her participation reflects the UAE's commitment in accelerating the 2030 SDGs and its role in building global consensus on sustainable development to enhance global stability and prosperity. Her Excellency Dr. Al Dhaheri attended the official opening of the UAE Exhibition, which spotlighted the country's progress across priority SDGs. She presented Abu Dhabi's contributions in marine habitat restoration and environmental innovation, including its leadership in global platforms such as the Mangrove Alliance for Climate and the upcoming IUCN World Conservation Congress taking place in Abu Dhabi in October 2025. During the official SDG14 plenary session, Her Excellency Dr. Al Dhaheri delivered a keynote statement, outlining Abu Dhabi's transformative achievements in marine conservation, blue carbon innovation, and sustainable fisheries governance. 'In the UAE, we have made SDG14 a national priority – a commitment grounded in science, backed by policy, and enabled by finance,' she said. 'Abu Dhabi serves as a prime example of what's possible. We are restoring critical blue carbon ecosystems, from mangroves to seagrass meadows, and we've launched the world's largest coral rehabilitation initiative, targeting over four million coral colonies by 2030'. Her Excellency Dr. Al Dhaheri also highlighted Abu Dhabi's marine biodiversity efforts, including safeguarding the world's second-largest dugong population of 3,500 individuals, monitoring over 7,900 sea turtles, and deploying environmental DNA and AI-powered tools to map species health. She also highlighted the emirate's success in raising the Sustainable Exploitation Index from 8.9% in 2018 to 97.4% by the end of 2024 – a result of data-driven fisheries management and policy reform. At the UAE-led ministerial roundtable, 'Scaling What Works,' she joined global leaders to showcase tested SDG interventions. During the session, His Excellency Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Chairman of the UAE National Committee on SDGs and Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Experience Exchange, launched the 2025 edition of the SDGs 2045 Report. 'The UAE is championing a forward-looking vision through the proposed SDGs 2045, reflecting our commitment to long-term sustainable development. Aligned with the UN's Pact for the Future, the framework highlights the UAE as a co-creator of innovative solutions to global challenges,' he said. 'Through platforms like the HLPF and the World Government Summit's 'SDGs in Action Forum', the UAE continues to convene international thought leaders to shape inclusive, resilient, and adaptable development pathways.' During the 'Rapid-Fire Solutions Showcase' roundtable, Her Excellency Dr. Al Dhaheri expanded on Abu Dhabi's integrated approach to marine sustainability. 'Restoring our oceans is about more than science or finance,' she said. 'It's about political will, and Abu Dhabi's experience demonstrates what can be achieved through local leadership, regulatory courage, and long-term investment. To truly scale what works, we must fund what works and replicate it through inclusive global partnerships that cross borders, sectors, and generations.' Her Excellency Dr. Al Dhaheri chaired the SDG14 Ministerial Roundtable during the GEEP Global Retreat, hosted at the UAE Mission to the UN. His Excellency Lootah delivered the keynote address, reinforcing the UAE's role in global cooperation. The session focused on the theme 'Sustainable Environment,' bringing together high-level representatives from partner countries, UN agencies, and academic institutions. In her opening remarks, Her Excellency Dr. Al Dhaheri stressed the need for international collaboration and inclusive marine governance to tackle the challenges facing the world's oceans. 'While SDG14 remains one of the most underachieved global goals, we've seen powerful examples that prove progress is possible when science, policy and partnerships align,' she said. She also presented key findings from Abu Dhabi's 2022 Jaywun Expedition, which mapped microplastic presence across 25 countries and eight marine ecosystems. She also highlighted data from EAD's Fisheries Resource Assessment Surveys and genomic research on key commercial species. Her Excellency Dr. Al Dhaheri concluded by citing success stories including the rehabilitation of 4 million coral colonies and the return of rare fish species like the white-spotted grouper, reinforcing the role of science and community engagement in building resilient marine ecosystems. 'Abu Dhabi's experience offers a blueprint, demonstrating that reversing decades of marine degradation is possible with evidence-based policies, inclusive regulation and shared accountability,' she said. 'Let us act with the urgency our oceans demand. Abu Dhabi is ready to lead, collaborate, and inspire a new era of ocean recovery – because when the ocean thrives, so does life.' Her Excellency Dr. Al Dhaheri also participated in bilateral meetings, joining fellow delegates at the UAE Cultural Night, and engaging with representatives from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations to explore collaborative action on sustainable food systems and biodiversity, and with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection to discuss urban environmental resilience and pollution control. The HLPF 2025 concluded with a renewed commitment to accelerate SDGs before 2030, reaffirming EAD's role in global environmental leadership and continued commitment toward advancing SDG14 through knowledge exchange, sustainable finance and marine innovation. As the UAE prepares to host the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi later this year, EAD's presence at HLPF 2025 marks a critical milestone in positioning the emirate as a global hub for environmental leadership, nature-based solutions, and sustainability diplomacy. About Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi EAD: Established in 1996, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi EAD is committed to protecting and enhancing air quality, groundwater as well as the biodiversity of our desert and marine ecosystem. By partnering with other government entities, the private sector, NGOs and global environmental agencies, we embrace international best practice, innovation and hard work to institute effective policy measures. We seek to raise environmental awareness, facilitate sustainable development and ensure environmental issues remain one of the top priorities of our national agenda.
Asia News Network
2 days ago
- Business
- Asia News Network
Pakistan FM Dar in New York to attend high-level UNSC events, including conference on Palestine
ISLAMABAD – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday stated that Pakistan is targeting using 60 per cent renewable energy by 2030 during his address to the General Debate of the Ministerial Segment of the UN High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York, according to a statement from the Foreign Office (FO). Pakistan assumed the UNSC Presidency for the month of July 2025, making it the country's eighth term on the Security Council as a non-permanent member. Islamabad began its current two-year term as a non-permanent member in January 2025 and will serve through the end of 2026. The presidency involves a focus on multilateralism, peaceful dispute resolution, and regional cooperation. According to the FO, Dar reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and outlined key policy measures driving growth, climate resilience and economic reform in his address. 'The compounding effects of the pandemic, the food, fuel, and finance crises, as well as intensifying climate impacts, have reversed hard-won development gains and deepened inequalities,' the FM said in his speech. 'Despite these challenges, Pakistan remains fully committed to achieving the 2030 Agenda. Our national development strategies, such as Uraan Pakistan, are aligned with the SDGs.' The FM also highlighted initiatives such as the Benazir Income Support Programme and the 'Living Indus' and 'Recharge Pakistan' initiatives for climate adaptation and renewable energy, the FO's statement read. Dar also 'emphasised the role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in aligning foreign direct investment with Pakistan's development priorities, particularly in sectors critical to sustainable growth'. 'While national efforts are essential, these cannot succeed in isolation. As the Secretary-General has rightly emphasised, deep reform of the international financial architecture is critical for implementing the SDGs,' the FM continued. 'Developing countries need scaled-up access to concessional and grant-based resources, meaningful debt relief, and scaled-up climate finance in order to bridge the SDG Financing Gap.' Dar meets UN chief, affirms Pakistan's commitment to multilateralism During his visit, Dar met with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres at the UN headquarters, according to a statement from the FO. During the meeting, the FM reaffirmed Pakistan's 'unwavering and resolute commitment to multilateralism and the central role of the UN in addressing the most pressing global challenges', the statement read. According to the FO, the secretary general appreciated Pakistan's presence and initiatives at the UNSC. Dar emphasised that Pakistan was fully committed to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, especially the need to advance peace through dialogue and diplomacy. He further stated Pakistan's commitment to peace was underscored by the high-level debate on multilateralism and peaceful settlement of disputes and the meeting on UN-OIC cooperation, under Pakistan's Presidency of the UNSC. 'The deputy prime minister/foreign minister emphasised issues of critical national and regional importance to Pakistan, particularly the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, violation of the Indus Waters Treaty and externally sponsored terrorism in Pakistan,' the FO stated. 'He stressed the imperative of a just settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the resolutions of the Security Council. The DPM/FM lauded the secretary general's leadership and sincere efforts for de-escalation of recent tensions between Pakistan and India.' Dar also reiterated Pakistan's unwavering support for Palestinian statehood, an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and firm opposition to Israeli plans for annexation in the occupied West Bank. The two men also exchanged views on the need for promoting concessional financing to support development and climate goals, especially for developing countries and mobilising enhanced international support for debt relief and liquidity solutions for the Global South. 'The DPM/FM emphasised that the secretary general's 'UN80' initiative offered a critical opportunity to strengthen the three pillars of the United Nations to promote international peace and security, sustainable development and human rights worldwide,' the statement read, referring to the UN marking its 80th anniversary this year. According to the statement, Dar welcomed the appointment of a UN special envoy on Islamophobia and expressed readiness to support global efforts to combat religious intolerance. Earlier, the FO reported that Dar arrived in New York to attend high-level signature events of Pakistan's UN Security Council (UNSC) Presidency, including a conference on Palestine. 'During the visit, he will lead high-level signature events under Pakistan's Presidency of the UN Security Council, hold bilateral and multilateral meetings in New York and Washington, DC, and represent Pakistan at the International Conference on the two-state solution, co-hosted by Saudi Arabia and France,' the FO said. 'Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, arrived in New York for an official visit from 21 to 28 July 2025,' the FO announced in a post on X. 'During the visit, he will lead high-level signature events under Pakistan's Presidency of the UN Security Council, hold bilateral and multilateral meetings in New York and Washington, DC, and represent Pakistan at the International Conference on the two-state solution, co-hosted by Saudi Arabia and France.' It added that upon his arrival, FM Dar was received by Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the UN, Asim Iftikhar, and the Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh. According to a July 19 statement issued by the FO, Dar will attend a high-level conference on the 'Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution', to express Pakistan's strong commitment and unwavering support for the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people. The conference was originally planned for June but was postponed due to the Iran-Israel war, which also led to the rescheduling of Dar's visit. According to The Guardian, the moot will now be held on July 28 and 29. Since October 8, Israeli strikes have killed more than 58,000 Palestinians in Gaza. Pakistan has consistently raised its voice for the people of Palestine, calling for an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. Earlier this month, Pakistan urged the UNSC not to remain 'a bystander' amid the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Aside from the Palestine conference, Dar is also set to chair a high-level briefing of the UNSC, focused on enhancing cooperation between the UN and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). 'The meeting is being held as part of Pakistan's efforts to strengthen collaboration between the OIC and the UN for maintenance of international peace and security,' the FO statement said. Dar is expected to have several other bilateral engagements with his counterparts, as well as senior UN officials, during his stay. He will also meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on July 25.
Scoop
2 days ago
- Health
- Scoop
Effective Partnerships Can Stop The Next Pandemic
21 July 2025 Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar, a professor of infectious diseases at University College London, issued this warning at a recent meeting of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in New York. It is not a question of if but when, and Dr. Abubakar believes the answer is sooner than anyone wants in part because the global healthcare system remains drastically siloed. This is a problem because, intrinsically, a pandemic cannot be stopped by one country alone. 'Infectious diseases will not respect borders. Therefore, health systems to ensure equity, dignity and universal access must also be agile to implement policies across borders,' Dr. Abubakar said. Rather, stopping pandemics — and promoting broader global development — requires robust partnerships and consistent investment in multilateral systems as a practice, not just an ideal. 'If we are to meet the ambitions of the 2030 Agenda, we must reimagine cooperation, not as a transactional action but as a dynamic, inclusive and future-ready partnership,' said Lok Bahadur Thapa, vice president of ECOSOC. A goal to unite all goals The High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development is convening at UN Headquarters in New York to discuss progress – or lack thereof – towards the globally agreed 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The first 16 SDGs deal with specific aspects of development — such as poverty, gender equality and climate change — but the 17th puts forward a path to achieve the others. And this path lies in embracing global partnerships between State governments, civil society organizations, communities and the private sector. However, with an annual financing gap for the SDGs which exceeds $4 trillion, the partnerships of today are not sufficient to realize the goals for tomorrow. 'We must forge truly transformative partnerships that break traditional silos: governments, civil society, the private sector and multilateral institutions all have roles to play in an inclusive coalition for sustainable development,' Dima Al-Khatib, director of the UN Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) said at an HLPF event. Prioritize prevention, not reaction Right now, the current health system, which includes pandemic preparedness, is oriented towards halting health emergencies once they emerge as opposed to proactively preventing them, according to Dr. Abubakar. Member States recently adopted a pandemic prevention treaty which endeavours to do just this — limit the likelihood of future pandemics. But for many, this emphasis on prevention extends beyond pandemics to issues like rehabilitation services and primary care, both of which experts say are critical investments not only in human well-being but also in peace and security. Moreover, these types of preventative medicine are cheaper than reactive medicine, according to Mandeep Dhaliwal, the Director of Health at the UN Development Programme (UNDP). 'It's important to invest in prevention as much as it is in treatment, and it is more cost-effective because … you're turning off the tap,' Ms. Dhaliwal said. However, convincing investors to support preventive care can be difficult because, when done correctly, tangible results are not necessarily visible. Health is in every system Nevertheless, investing in preventive medicine like primary care and the socioeconomic determinants of health — such as climate and nutrition — can help ensure that health systems are holistically supporting people before a crisis begins. 'Health is not a silo… the factors that influence health are often outside the health sector,' Ms. Dhaliwal said, citing the example of air pollution which is a climate problem that inherently influences health. This sort of holistic investment requires robust partnerships which work to ensure that every initiative — no matter how seemingly distanced — considers health implications. 'We have too often treated [health] as a downstream issue, something that improves only if other systems are working. But we now understand that health and well-being is not simply the result of good developments. It's the starting point,' said Tony Ott, a professor of agricultural sciences at the Pennsylvania State University. The weak link in the health system Migrants and displaced people tend to be among those least likely to have access to preventive medicine and often those most impacted by the social determinants of health. 'Migration and displacement, whether it's driven by conflict, climate change or economic factors, are defining factors in terms of our health,' he said. By the end of 2024, 123.2 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide, a decade-high number which proves that in the 10 years since the SDGs were adopted, the world has regressed in relation to displacements. For Dr. Abubakar, these displaced people — and the millions more voluntary migrants — embody why the health system simply cannot continue to silo itself and must instead embrace cross-border partnerships. 'Health systems must ensure access to essential services regardless of immigration status … Any community without access is that weak link that may mean we are all not protected,' Dr. Abubakar said, referring to the next pandemic. Communities at the centre The idea of partnerships as foundational to achieving the SDGs is logical for many people. After all, the goals are universal in nature and demand global collaboration. But this collaboration, especially for health, must do more than just engage experts — it must engage the people who seek out healthcare. Dr. Abubakar said that all health policies must be culturally appropriate to local contexts, something which can only happen if communities are placed at the centre of healthcare. 'The new future that I see would embrace global partnership, including countries irrespective of income level, public and private sector, academic and civil society. And within this framework, communities must be at the centre… not just as recipients but as co-creators of solutions.'
Gulf Today
4 days ago
- Politics
- Gulf Today
UAE shares model for women empowerment in New York
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. 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 Savannah Mazhya, Minister of Information and Communications Technology in the Kingdom of Eswatini and Chair of the Global Council for SDG 5; 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. 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. Recently, the UAE, through the Gender Balance Council, took part in the BRICS Women's Affairs Ministerial Meeting in Brazil, addressing women's economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, digital safety, and climate action. On this occasion, Sheikha Manal Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of UAE Gender Balance Council, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, praised Brazil's leadership of the BRICS group and reaffirmed the UAE's dedication to global collaboration that uplifts women and ensures sustainable, inclusive growth. Sheikha Manal stated that 'economic empowerment is not only a basic right for women; it is a national priority and a driver of sustainable growth and innovation.' She emphasised that gender balance is central to the UAE's national agenda and that economic empowerment for women is a strategic priority that drives innovation and resilience.
