Saudi Arabia Concludes Participation In High-level Political Forum On Sustainable Development 2024

Saudi Arabia has wrapped up its involvement in the 2024 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), held from July 8 to 18, 2024. The forum gathered nations to assess global progress towards the sustainable development goals outlined in the 2030 Agenda.

The Kingdom's delegation was led by Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Alibrahim. It included representatives from various ministries and organizations such as the Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture. Other participants were from the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification, National Center for Environmental Compliance, General Food Security Authority (GFSA), Royal Commission for Riyadh City, Royal Commission for AlUla, Al-Madinah Region Development Authority, Quality of Life Program, and Qassim Urban Observatory.

During his address at the forum, Alibrahim stressed the importance of clear and cooperative policies to accelerate progress. He stated, "Accelerating the pace of progress requires clear, bold, and cooperative policies that focus on solutions. It also requires the development of a prioritization system that enables countries to focus on the most effective policies and optimal solutions to achieve the maximum impact for the largest number of people in the shortest possible time. We in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia recognize that sustainable progress depends on finding and exploiting opportunities to improve the overall standard of living and enhance the quality of life."

The Quality of Life Program showcased Saudi Arabia's advancements in achieving sustainable development goals with a particular emphasis on sustainable city projects. This program highlighted efforts aimed at enhancing living standards across the Kingdom.

The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture set up a pavilion at the forum's sidelines. This pavilion featured initiatives like the Saudi & Middle East Green Initiatives. It also highlighted preparations for hosting the UNCCD 16th session of the Conference of the Parties "COP 16" in Riyadh next December.

Additionally, Minister Alibrahim engaged in several meetings with senior officials during the forum. These discussions focused on fostering cooperation and strengthening economic and trade relations between Saudi Arabia and other countries.

The participation in HLPF underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to sustainable development. The Kingdom continues to seek opportunities to improve living standards while promoting environmental sustainability.

With inputs from SPA