UAE Private Sector Recognized As Vital To Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

The private sector is seen as a crucial driver of change and sustainable development, playing a vital role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This was the consensus among business leaders at a workshop organised by the General Secretariat of the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals and the UN Global Compact in the UAE.

Abdullah Nasser Lootah, Chairman of the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, stated: "The UAE's decision to extend the Year of Sustainability to include 2024 reflects the leadership's commitment to promoting sustainable practices within society, which directly supports national efforts in achieving SDGs. Achieving SDGs can only come from collective effort, so strengthening partnerships between the public and private sectors is vital to a more sustainable and prosperous future."

The workshop took place recently, ahead of the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. This forum will be held in New York from 8-17 July under the theme "Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises: the effective delivery of sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions." Business leaders will present ideas discussed during this Dubai workshop at the forum.

Eng. Waleed Salman, Chairman of the Board of the UN Global Compact Network in the UAE, commented: "Our shared commitment to SDGs underscores how important it is to engage and consult the private sector, which is a key driver of transformative change, especially through innovation. In this sense, companies in the UAE are uniquely positioned to lead the way, demonstrating how sustainable business practices can drive global progress and contribute to a brighter future for all."

Executives from over 80 companies attended this workshop to share best practices, exchange knowledge, and provide solutions and recommendations supporting SDGs. The focus was on highlighting the role of private sector contributions towards achieving SDGs 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), 13 (Climate Action), 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and 17 (Partnerships for Goals).

Participants engaged in a roundtable discussion about a survey conducted among local businesses. The survey explored their experiences with adopting SDGs, including challenges faced, successful initiatives implemented, and best practices identified.

Key Attendees

Other notable attendees included Anita Lebiar, Head of Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia at United Nations Global Compact; Bérangère Boëll, United Nations Resident Coordinator in UAE; Omar Khan, Head of Centre for Business Studies and Research at Dubai Chamber of Commerce; and Mark Esposito, Professor of Public Policy at Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government and faculty affiliate at Harvard Center for International Development at Harvard Kennedy School.

The discussions aimed to underscore how private sector engagement is essential for driving transformative change through innovation. Companies in UAE are uniquely positioned to demonstrate how sustainable business practices can contribute significantly to global progress.

The workshop emphasised that collective efforts are necessary for achieving SDGs. Strengthening partnerships between public and private sectors is crucial for fostering a more sustainable future.

The event highlighted that extending sustainability initiatives into 2024 shows UAE's leadership commitment towards promoting sustainable practices within society.

This collaborative approach aims to support national efforts in achieving Sustainable Development Goals effectively.

With inputs from WAM