Latest news with #VoluntaryNationalReview
Bangkok Post
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Thailand's SDG path shows gains
Thailand presented its third Voluntary National Review at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum in New York. It was a moment to take stock, not only of what has been achieved under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), but of the work still to come. Thailand has shown consistent engagement in this process, having previously submitted reviews in 2017 and 2021, underscoring a clear message: sustainable development remains a national priority. Thailand's long-term planning reflects this ambition. The Sustainable Development Goals are integrated into the 13th National Economic and Social Development Plan and the 20-Year National Strategy, ensuring coherence across policies and resilience across political transitions. At the core is Thailand's homegrown Sufficiency Economy Philosophy, which emphasises moderation, pragmatism and resilience in national development. This strong foundation is yielding results. Thailand tracks 236 out of 248 SDG indicators, one of the most comprehensive national monitoring efforts in the region. Health outcomes are especially notable. Universal health coverage reaches 99% of the population. Maternal mortality is under 30 per 100,000 births, child mortality stands at approximately 8 per 1,000 live births and skilled birth attendance has reached 100%. Malaria cases have dropped by 70%, and the country maintains one of Asia's most effective tobacco control regimes. Thailand's environmental ambition is also accelerating in alignment with the global shift towards clean, inclusive economies. Electric vehicle registrations rose by 684% in 2023, contributing to an estimated reduction of 344,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. Thailand has removed more than 780,000kg of waste from marine environments, including over 457,000kg through the "Bring Waste Back to Shore" initiative, which engages fishers to help restore ecosystems. To institutionalise its climate goals, including carbon neutrality by 2050 and net-zero emissions by 2065, Thailand is preparing a Climate Change Act to mandate emissions reporting and establish a Climate Change Fund. Through the Partnership for Action on Green Economy, the United Nations has supported Thailand in exploring carbon pricing tools -- including carbon taxes and cap-and-trade mechanisms -- and in building national capacity for green macroeconomic modelling. Thailand's progress extends to social equity. This year, Thailand became the first country in Southeast Asia to legalise marriage equality, a landmark achievement for human rights. Financial inclusion has also deepened. In 2022, 90% of disadvantaged groups held a household bank account, compared to just 68% in 2012. Poverty rates have dropped from over 65% in the 1980s to under 4% today. Legal protections for migrant workers and stateless persons are expanding, with nearly half a million stateless individuals now eligible for permanent residency. Thailand established a formal National Referral Mechanism in 2022 to strengthen the identification, protection and support of trafficking victims, marking a significant step forward in regional efforts to institutionalise coordinated, survivor-centred responses. Thailand's leadership does not stop at home. At the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Dr Lalivan Karnchanachari led the national delegation and reaffirmed Thailand's multilateral commitment. The country is championing sustainability-linked bonds, advocating stronger action against illicit financial flows and calling for reforms that reflect the realities of developing countries. Its promotion of triangular cooperation -- working with partners to co-create and share knowledge -- underscores a vision of development rooted in shared responsibility. Still, the Voluntary National Review is not simply a celebration of progress. It reflects transparency and a willingness to face hard truths. As of 2024, 60% of SDG indicators show progress, 23% are regressing, and 17% remain unchanged. Poverty remains higher in provinces such as Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat, at about 7.5%. More than half of Thailand's workforce remains in the informal sector, with women disproportionately affected. Productivity growth lags behind regional peers. Bridging the digital divide, strengthening lifelong learning -- especially in Stem and green skills -- and expanding protections for migrant workers remain critical challenges. The United Nations is proud to support Thailand on its journey towards achieving the SDGs. Together, we are driving progress across sectors such as climate action, the expansion of social protection, the localisation of development goals via Voluntary Local Reviews and areas such as child protection and migrant rights. Thailand's Voluntary National Review makes one thing clear: the country's progress is real and measurable. The path ahead is challenging, but with sustained commitment and shared action, the 2030 Agenda is still within reach. Thailand is not just reporting progress -- it's delivering it.
Qatar Tribune
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar highlights progress in implementing SDGs 2030 at HLPF in New York
Tribune News Network Doha Secretary-General of the National Planning Council (NPC) Dr Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Mubarak Al Khalifa presented Qatar's 2025 Voluntary National Review (VNR) at the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Wednesday, July 23. Through a comprehensive presentation, Dr Al Khalifa outlined the key elements of Qatar's VNR 2025, highlighting the country's progress in implementing the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in alignment with the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy. He also addressed national priorities and examined the challenges faced in advancing sustainable development. He said, 'By integrating the Sustainable Development Goals into national strategies, Qatar has successfully laid the foundations for innovation, inclusion and future foresight, driving strategic investments in education, healthcare, workforce development and a green economy. 'This alignment is further enabled by Qatar's leading role as a global convenor of sustainability dialogue, exemplified by its hosting of internationally recognised forums such as the Qatar Economic Forum, the Doha Forum and the Web Summit. 'Qatar's fourth Voluntary National Review encompassed a whole-of-society approach, involving a wide spectrum of stakeholders across non-profit organisations, civil society, academia, the public and private sectors, as well as international and regional organisations. Through three national workshops, the NPC facilitated a participatory process that incorporated interactive tools, open forums and collaborative drafting sessions.' Commenting on youth engagement in VNR preparation, Dr. Al Khalifa said, 'Youth participation was a central feature, with young people actively engaged in thematic sessions and brainstorming sessions to assess the progress made towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. 'I reiterate the words of the Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who emphasised that Qatar will spare no effort in working alongside its international partners and the United Nations to consolidate peace, sustainable development, human rights, and the rule of law at all levels, and to confront global challenges in pursuit of a better future for all.' He added, 'This underscores Qatar's firm belief that equitable, inclusive, and balanced development lies at the heart of our shared global journey—achieved through a careful balance between economic growth, social development, and environmental protection.' Dr. Al Khalifa led Qatar's delegation to the HLPF, held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from July 14 to 23. The Forum convened under the theme: 'Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs for leaving no one behind.' The HLPF serves as the UN's central platform for reviewing global progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It brings together heads of member states, international organisations, and civil society to assess performance and accelerate action toward the realisation of the SDGs. On Monday, July 21, Dr. Al Khalifa delivered Qatar's statement before the HLPF, in which he said, 'As the United Nations approaches its 80th anniversary, Qatar remains committed to the core principles of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This commitment is deeply embedded in our national development framework, Qatar National Vision 2030, and actively realised through the implementation of our Third National Development Strategy (2024–2030). Anchored in determination, the strategy aims to transform global commitments into measurable national progress.' He added, 'Qatar fully recognises that the path to sustainable development cannot be pursued in isolation and that it requires global cooperation. Qatar continues to deepen its engagement with the United Nations and its specialised agencies. As host of the UN House in Doha, we are proud to collaborate with agencies such as UNDP, UNICEF, OCHA, and IOM to advance global development, humanitarian response, and capacity-building initiatives.' He also participated in a side panel titled 'Demographic Resilience and Sustainable Development', where he underscored the importance of proactively preparing for demographic shifts through foresight, inclusion, and data-driven strategies. Dr. Al Khalifa also took part in a high-level session on Adequate Housing for All, where he delivered closing remarks, highlighting Qatar's comprehensive housing policies and their central role in preparation for the World Summit for Social Development to be hosted in Doha next November. He also engaged in high-level discussions on the economic opportunities emerging from the global transition to clean energy. The NPC secretary-general held bilateral meetings to explore avenues for cooperation in sustainable development.
Mid East Info
24-07-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
UAE Showcases Global Leadership at UN Sustainable Development Forum, Commits to 2026 SDG Review - Middle East Business News and Information
Delegation highlights international partnerships, pioneering initiatives, and preparations for Voluntary National Review New York, USA – July, 2025: The UAE reiterated its strong commitment to global sustainable development at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development 2025 in New York, emphasizing international partnerships and placing human progress at the center of its vision for the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and beyond. The message capped an active UAE presence at the forum, organized at the UN headquarters by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, and attended by global leaders and organizations. The UAE delegation comprised senior officials from key ministries, national committees, and leading organizations, including the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Investment, Government Experience Exchange Programme (GEEP), General Secretariat of the National Committee on SDGs, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), Noor Dubai Foundation, and Dubai Chambers. The UAE's Pioneering Model: 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, highlighted the UAE's innovative and collaborative approach to international development cooperation. He said: 'We presented models and initiatives that showcase pioneering national development initiatives and reflect the importance of strategic partnerships in accelerating SDG achievement. These included the 2045 XDGs Report that envisions development prospects for the next two decades, and GEEP. We held meetings that focused on continually enhancing multilateral collaborative action to support finding innovative solutions to challenges in health, economic growth, the future of work, biodiversity, and international stability.' He confirmed the start of intensive preparations for the 2026 Voluntary National Review (VNR), to monitor and assess progress toward the 2030 SDGs. This reflects the UAE's unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability, comprehensive analysis of challenges and opportunities, and identifying future development priorities with participation from government, private sector, and civil society to ensure effort integration and vision unification, based on the UAE's ambitious vision for building a sustainable and inclusive future based on innovation, sustainability, and human development. HE Lootah noted that preparations are underway for the UAE's 2026 Voluntary National Review, underlining the nation's commitment to transparency, cross-sector collaboration, and a sustainable, inclusive future. The UAE is also preparing to host the UN Water Conference in December 2026, advancing global water sustainability. Strengthening Global Cooperation and Shaping Tomorrow The UAE reaffirmed its commitment to international cooperation and knowledge exchange, spotlighting initiatives that drive climate action, economic growth, and human development. Through high-profile events – including the 'Shaping Tomorrow: UAE Leadership for a Sustainable Future' exhibition – the delegation showcased innovative models and fostered dialogue with global partners. A special session by GEEP expanded the UAE's partnership network to nearly 50 countries and six international organizations, reinforcing its leadership in collaborative action. The launch of the 2045 XDGs Report , which outlines global development priorities beyond 2030 and builds on the momentum of the SDGs to address emerging challenges and opportunities, along with findings from a global survey, further underscored the UAE's active role in shaping sustainable development with forward-looking recommendations for the next two decades. Driving Innovation and Partnerships for Sustainable Progress The UAE delegation, in partnership with the UAE Consulate General in New York, showcased national leadership in advancing the SDGs through innovation and collaboration. The pivotal role of the Global Councils for SDGs – launched at the World Government Summit – was highlighted as a platform uniting leaders from government, international organizations, academia, and the private sector to accelerate progress through shared expertise. Sessions organized by the General Secretariat of the National Committee on SDGs focused on promoting gender balance and child welfare, addressing the digital gender gap, and strengthening women's leadership as essential drivers of sustainable growth beyond 2030. The UAE also hosted a roundtable on reimagining economic growth for people and the planet, and led discussions on economic diplomacy and integrating social and economic objectives for global stability. Additionally, the Ministry of Interior presented successful cross-border environmental initiatives, such as the Green Shield Operation, which aims to protect biodiversity in the Amazon Basin. Throughout the forum, the UAE strengthened international cooperation by holding 48 bilateral meetings and participating in high-impact Science Day activities. The HLPF on Sustainable Development is the UN's leading platform for SDG review and progress.
Qatar Tribune
14-07-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar provides $4.8 billion in foreign aid to LDCs: NPC
QNA New York The National Planning Council (NPC) has revealed that Qatar provided $4.8 billion in foreign aid since 2020, 90 percent of which has been allocated to Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Sixty-four percent of this aid aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in the areas of poverty alleviation, healthcare, and education. In a statement, the NPC revealed that among the pioneering initiatives to which Qatar has contributed is the 'Education Above All' programme, which has impacted and resonated with more than 10 million children in more than 60 countries. Qatar has also hosted prestigious international platforms, including the Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries and the International Conference on Resilience of Water and Food Security in the Face of Climate Change 2025. National Planning CouncilSecretary-General HE Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Mubarak Al Khalifa is heading Qatar's delegation to the 2025 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development, which begins at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Monday and will run until July 23. Al Khalifa will present Qatar's Voluntary National Review (VNR) at the HLPF, which serves as the UN's central platform for reviewing global progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, said NPC in a statement today. The HLPF brings together heads of member states, international organizations, and civil society to assess performance and accelerate action toward the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this context, Al Khalifa stated, 'Qatar's participation in the HLPF reflects its commitment to implementing the Sustainable Development Agenda as an integral part of its national development journey, guided by Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy. By showcasing the progress made in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, Qatar's Voluntary National Review highlights the strong alignment between national and global development objectives, broadening avenues for international cooperation and partnership to secure a prosperous and sustainable future for generations to come.' In addition to presenting Qatar's 2025 Voluntary National Review, he will take part in ministerial roundtable sessions, bilateral meetings, and expert panels taking place throughout the forum. Prepared under the leadership of the National Planning Council, Qatar's 2025 VNR comprises a 297-page national report that documents over 900 data points, 251 indicators, and 30 case studies. This marks Qatar's fourth VNR, reflecting broad-based contributions from over 100 stakeholders, including youth, the private sector, ministries, academia, and civil society organisations. This VNR provides a data-driven account of how Qatar is translating its long-term vision into measurable progress. Under Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy (2024-2030), more than 60 national strategies have been aligned with the SDG framework.
