Abu Dhabi Highlights Global Leadership In Marine Conservation At UN Sustainable Development Forum

At the 2025 United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) showcased Abu Dhabi's leadership in marine conservation. Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of EAD, participated as part of the UAE’s delegation. The event ran from 14th to 23rd July and focused on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Life Below Water.

Dr. Al Dhaheri highlighted Abu Dhabi's achievements in marine restoration during her keynote at the SDG14 plenary. She discussed efforts like blue carbon restoration and sustainable fisheries. Notably, she mentioned initiatives to protect the world's second-largest dugong population and monitor over 7,900 sea turtles. The Sustainable Exploitation Index also saw a significant increase from 8.9 percent in 2018 to 97.4 percent by the end of 2024.

The UAE Exhibition at the forum was opened by Dr. Al Dhaheri, where she presented Abu Dhabi’s contributions to marine restoration projects such as the Mangrove Alliance for Climate. Preparations for the IUCN World Conservation Congress, scheduled for October in Abu Dhabi, were also highlighted.

During a UAE-led ministerial roundtable titled "Scaling What Works," Abdulla Nasser Lootah launched the 2025 edition of the SDGs 2045 Report. This report aligns with the UN’s Pact for the Future and outlines the UAE’s long-term vision. Lootah serves as Chairman of the UAE National Committee on SDGs and Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Experience Exchange.

Dr. Al Dhaheri chaired an SDG14 Ministerial Roundtable at the GEEP Global Retreat hosted at the UAE Mission to the UN. This session gathered senior figures from UN agencies and academia to discuss sustainable marine governance. Findings from various research initiatives, including fisheries assessments and genetic studies on commercial species, were presented.

Local Leadership and Partnerships

At the Rapid-Fire Solutions Showcase, Dr. Al Dhaheri emphasised local leadership's importance alongside long-term investment and cross-sectoral partnerships. She stated, "To truly scale what works, we must fund what works." Her remarks underscored how essential funding is for successful conservation strategies.

EAD’s participation underscored Abu Dhabi’s role as a global hub for nature-based solutions and sustainability diplomacy ahead of this year’s IUCN Congress. The agency reinforced its commitment to reversing marine degradation through coral rehabilitation efforts and reintroducing rare species like the white-spotted grouper.

Bilateral Engagements

Dr. Al Dhaheri engaged in bilateral meetings with organisations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization and New York City’s Department of Environmental Protection. These discussions aimed to explore joint actions on biodiversity, food systems, and urban resilience.

The forum also featured collaboration with entities like the UAE Government Experience Exchange Office and the UAE SDG Secretariat, further strengthening ties between different sectors working towards common environmental goals.

The event concluded with a focus on Abu Dhabi's continued commitment to marine conservation efforts globally while preparing for future international gatherings dedicated to sustainability.

With inputs from WAM