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Daily Tribune
17 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
UAE Opens Groundbreaking SDG Exhibition at United Nations Headquarters
'Shaping Tomorrow' spotlights UAE's sustainable development vision beyond 2030 The United Arab Emirates has unveiled its first-ever national exhibition at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, marking a significant moment during the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development 2025. Titled "Shaping Tomorrow: UAE Leadership for a Sustainable Future", the exhibition shines a spotlight on the UAE's commitment to advancing global efforts toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and shaping a more inclusive and resilient future. Held in the presence of UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, UAE Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Mohamed Abushahab, and HE Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Chair of the UAE's National Committee on SDGs, the event welcomed international officials and government delegates from around the world. A First-of-its-Kind Showcase for the UAE Organized by a coalition of key UAE institutions—including the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Investment, Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD), Dubai Chambers, and Noor Dubai Foundation—the exhibition offers visitors an interactive and immersive experience. It features a range of initiatives that highlight the UAE's efforts in innovation, climate action, and community empowerment. The exhibition also traces the country's long-standing engagement with sustainable development, starting with the Rio Summit in 2000, and expands on the global dialogue launched through the UAE's Government Experience Exchange Programme. Four Pillars for the Future The display outlines the UAE's post-2030 sustainable vision, built on four central pillars: HE Abdulla Lootah emphasized: 'The UAE is deeply invested in sharing its best practices with global partners. This exhibition reflects our belief in collaboration, innovation, and knowledge-sharing as essential drivers of a more sustainable and inclusive future.' National Programs with Global Impact The exhibition showcases how UAE-led projects are influencing global development: Ministry of Interior: Presented the "Green Justice" initiative, which tackles environmental crimes in Latin America, supporting SDG 17 on partnerships. Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD): Highlighted its role in financing projects across more than 100 countries, focusing on education, renewable energy, and infrastructure. Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood: Introduced initiatives like the "National Child Empowerment Guide" and "Emirati Children's Parliament" to advance gender equality and youth engagement (SDG 5). Noor Dubai Foundation: Shared its iBSAR program, which combats visual impairment in Asia and Africa, aligning with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). A Model of Integrated Development The UAE's presence at the UN through this exhibition not only reflects its own journey toward sustainable development but also positions it as a global partner in building a better future for all. By combining innovation, policy, and partnerships, the UAE aims to contribute meaningfully to international efforts in the years beyond 2030.
Zawya
a day ago
- Politics
- Zawya
UAE inaugurates first-of-its-kind SDG exhibition at UN HQ
New York-USA – 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 interactive experience that highlights the UAE's journey in supporting sustainable development goals since the Rio Summit in 2000. The exhibition represents an extension of the dialogue initiated by the UAE in the Government Experience Exchange Programme with more than 170 leaders and decision-makers during the World Government Summit 2023. The exhibition presents the framework of sustainable development goals as an ambitious vision for the UAE beyond 2030, based on four main 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.
Mid East Info
a day ago
- Politics
- Mid East Info
UAE inaugurates first-of-its-kind SDG exhibition at UN HQ - Middle East Business News and Information
New York-USA. 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 interactive experience that highlights the UAE's journey in supporting sustainable development goals since the Rio Summit in 2000. The exhibition represents an extension of the dialogue initiated by the UAE in the Government Experience Exchange Programme with more than 170 leaders and decision-makers during the World Government Summit 2023. The exhibition presents the framework of sustainable development goals as an ambitious vision for the UAE beyond 2030, based on four main 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.
The Herald
05-07-2025
- Business
- The Herald
Civil society leaves UN development summit feeling unheard
Still, certain initiatives — such as an alliance to tax the super-rich or plans to slap new levies on premium and private-jet flying — were widely celebrated among CSOs. Their main complaint was a lack of access, with accusations ranging from difficulties obtaining accreditations to exclusion from key negotiations, prompting CSO delegates to hold a protest at the conference's venue on its final day. "We've witnessed an unprecedented wave of restrictions and lack of attention to the voice of civil society," Oyebisi Babatunde Oluseyi, executive director of the Nigeria Network of NGOs, told Reuters, adding a new mechanism was needed to insert their perspective into global decision-making. UN deputy secretary-general Amina Mohammed acknowledged CSOs' grievances in Thursday's closing press briefing and said the UN would endeavour to "expand the space" for them. "The UN was built to defend human rights — if it cedes to the global trend of shrinking civic space, it'll undermine its legitimacy," said Hernan Saenz of Oxfam International. In a joint declaration on Sunday, the CSOs denounced the international financial system as unjust and called for its "complete overhaul". Despite the pervasive discontent, all CSO representatives interviewed by Reuters said they ultimately believed in the UN system. Hirotaka Koike, a board member at the Japan NGO Center for International Cooperation, said he did so because it was the only place where all countries were treated equally. "Yes, there are bureaucracies. Yes, there are a lot of processes. But what else do we have?" Reuters
Scoop
03-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Fourth International Conference On Financing For Development Delivers Renewed Hope & Action For Sustainable Development
The Sevilla Commitment and Platform for Action advance concrete strategic steps to fulfill the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals and chart a path for a fairer shared future, reaffirming the role of global cooperation Sevilla, Spain, 3 July 2025 - The Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development concluded today in Sevilla, Spain, with 130 initiatives turning the Sevilla Commitment or Compromiso de Sevilla into action through concrete steps to boost investment in sustainable development, address the debt crisis afflicting many of the world's poorest countries, and give developing countries a stronger voice in the international financing architecture. 'The human consequences of rising debt burdens, escalating trade tensions and steep cuts to official development assistance have been brought into sharp relief this week,' the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed said in closing remarks. 'Yet, against this sobering backdrop, the Sevilla conference delivered a strong response—a unifying outcome document focused on solutions that reaffirms the Addis Ababa commitments made a decade ago, renews hope through the SDGs, and shows that multilateral cooperation still matters and still works. 'Let FFD4 be remembered as a conference where the world chose cooperation over fragmentation, unity over division and action over inertia.' 'Sevilla will be remembered not as a landing zone, but as a launchpad for action, to improve livelihoods across the world. Together, we have sent a strong message of commitment and trust in multilateralism that can yield tangible results to put sustainable development back on track,' said Carlos Cuerpo, Spain's Economy Minister, at the closing press conference. 'This Conference has proven that the United Nations is more than just a space for dialogue; it is a powerful platform for solutions that transform lives,' said Li Junhua, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs and Secretary-General of the Conference. 'In Sevilla, we have demonstrated our collective will to confront the most urgent and complex financing challenges of our time. The Compromiso de Sevilla stands as a testament to our sense of resolve, outlining the commitments, solutions, and actions to put us back on track to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.' The Sevilla Commitment, adopted by consensus at the start of the Conference, lays out a path to close the $4 trillion annual SDG financing gap in developing countries. It is the first inter-governmentally agreed financing for development framework since 2015, and a rallying call to overhaul a system that is failing billions of people and pushing global goals further out of reach. At a time of rising debt, declining investment, shrinking aid and escalating trade tensions, sustainable development faces unprecedented headwinds. The consequences are stark: 3 billion people live in countries that spend more on interest payments than on health or education. With five years left to achieve the SDGs in increasingly uncertain times, the Sevilla Commitment charts a path on three fronts: Catalyzing investment at scale for sustainable development Addressing the debt and development crisis Reforming the international financial architecture Sevilla Platform for Action Under the Sevilla Platform for Action, 130 initiatives were launched over the course of four days of the Conference to begin implementing the Sevilla Commitment. Initiatives focused on boosting public and private investment for sustainable development, including actions to strengthen tax systems and domestic resource mobilization. New financing mechanisms were announced to tackle unsustainable debt burdens, and additional initiatives aimed to enhance crisis response and climate resilience, expand access to social protection and support local and digital economies, among others. Initiative highlights include: To address debt challenges: A Debt Swaps for Development Hub, led by Spain and the World Bank, to strengthen capacity and enhance collaboration to scale up debt swaps and lower debt service burdens; A Debt-for-Development Swap Programme by Italy that will convert 230 million Euros of debt obligations of African countries into investments in development projects; A Debt 'Pause Clause' Alliance where a coalition of countries and Multilateral Development Banks (Canada, France, Spain, UK, the Inter-American Development Bank, European Investment Bank, African Development Bank Group, Asian Development Bank and Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean) commit to including 'pause clauses' in their lending, to suspend debt service payments during crises; A Sevilla Forum on Debt to help countries learn from one another and coordinate their approaches in debt management and restructuring, with a UN entity serving as its secretariat, with support from Spain. To catalyze investment with development impact: To raise new revenue, a Coalition for Global Solidarity Levies, led by France, Kenya and Barbados, supported by Benin, Somalia, Zambia and Spain, to tax premium-class flying and private jets in a bid to raise funds for climate action and sustainable development; A blended finance platform, SCALED, to scale up blended financing, led by a coalition of countries (Germany, Canada, France, UK, Denmark, and South Africa) and financial institutions (including Allianz, AXA SA, Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, and Zurich Insurance Group) to support efforts to create effective and replicable, scalable blended finance instruments and funds with development impact; To increase local currency lending, FX EDGE, a new Multilateral Development Bank toolbox for FX-risk management instruments, led by the Inter-American Development Bank, and Delta, a liquidity platform by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to help development finance institutions provide local currency lending; An Effective Taxation of High-Net-Worth Individuals initiative, led by Brazil and Spain, to ensure high-net-worth individuals pay their fair share. A Technical Assistance Hub by public development banks, led by the Finance in Common Secretariat and the International Development Finance Club, and a pooled Multilateral Development Bank Technical Assistance Platform for project preparation, led by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. To support architecture reform at national and global levels: A new generation of country-owned platforms with country-led financing strategies, led by a coalition of countries (including South Africa and Egypt), the Integrated National Financing Framework Facility and development banks, in support of national plans and strategies. A coalition led by the UK and the Bridgetown Initiative to scale-up pre-arranged financing from 2 per cent to 20 per cent of total disaster financing by 2035. International Business Forum At the International Business Forum, taking place in parallel to the Conference, global business leaders issued a strong call to action to unlock private capital for sustainable development, outlining five priority areas for impact investment in a Communiqué launched alongside the Sevilla Commitment. For the first time, major business groups and investor alliances coordinated efforts through the FFD4 Business Steering Committee, underscoring private sector commitment. The Forum showcased practical ways to shift capital toward the SDGs, particularly in developing countries, through high level policy dialogues, sessions on innovations, best practices, and focused roundtables. In addition, over $5 billion in projects were pitched by developing countries to investors and development financiers at the SDG Investment Fair. About the Conference Building on the foundations laid by the Monterrey Consensus (2002), Doha Declaration (2008), and Addis Ababa Action Agenda (2015), as well as the Pact for the Future adopted at the UN last September, the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4), took place in Sevilla, Spain, from 30 June to 3 July 2025. The Conference brought together over 15,000 participants, including nearly 50 Heads of State and Government, and featured more than 470 side and special events, alongside flagship sessions such as the International Business Forum, SDG Investment Fair, and a series of announcements under the Sevilla Platform for Action.
