UAE Hosts Workshops To Bolster Progress On Sustainable Development Goals

The UAE National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in collaboration with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI), recently organised a series of workshops. These sessions aimed to enhance the capabilities of national agencies in reporting on SDGs and evaluating progress towards the 2030 Global Development Agenda.

The workshops, part of the General Secretariat of the National Committee on SDGs' efforts, focused on working with international custodian agencies responsible for SDG indicators. The goal was to address challenges related to data collection and calculation methodologies. The sessions emphasised building technical competencies to ensure accurate data reflection in future reports.

Abdullah Nasser Lootah, Chairman of the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, stated that promoting sustainability awareness and building capacities to form government task forces is a top priority. He highlighted the importance of keeping pace with global changes and requirements to achieve the 2030 Global Development Agenda.

Sheikh Nasser Al Qasemi, Assistant Undersecretary for Regulation of Infrastructure and Transport Sector at MoEI, noted that the workshop aligns with the UAE’s commitment to implementing SDGs. He remarked, "Achieving SDG11 is a joint responsibility that requires a clear approach and active involvement of all stakeholders to overcome urban challenges."

He added, "International cooperation is key to achieving the SDGs. Our partnership with UN-Habitat supports our efforts to achieve SDG11."

Dr. Fernanda Lonardoni, Head of UN-Habitat Country Programme, expressed pride in collaborating with the UAE. She said, "Sustainable cities are crucial for achieving overall SDG targets. The SDG 11 Workshop Series provides an invaluable opportunity for the UAE to align with global standards and methodologies."

The National Committee on SDGs, alongside MoEI and UN-Habitat, organised a workshop focused on Goal 11: "making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable." Senior officials from various municipalities and planning departments across the UAE participated in this event.

Representatives from organisations dedicated to achieving SDGs attended, including the Department of Municipalities and Transport in Abu Dhabi, Dubai Municipality, Sharjah Department of Town Planning and Survey, Ajman Municipality and Planning Department, Umm Al Quwain Municipality, Ras Al Khaimah Municipality, Fujairah Municipality, as well as statistical and transport departments across the UAE.

With inputs from WAM