UAE Outlines Strategic Vision For Sustainable Development At UN Forum

A United Arab Emirates (UAE) delegation recently shared the nation's strategic vision for renewable energy and climate action at the United Nations (UN) High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development. This event, organised by the UN Economic and Social Affairs Department, is being held at the UN headquarters in New York until 17th July.

Representatives from the UAE highlighted their model for facilitating access to energy, eliminating poverty and hunger, and securing a more climate-resilient future. The UAE's approach was showcased during key sessions at the forum.

Abdullah Nasser Lootah, Deputy Minister for Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Knowledge Exchange, and Chair of the UAE National Committee for SDGs, emphasised that the UAE has set a global example in identifying development priorities. These include building sustainable healthcare systems, creating energy and climate solutions, and forming strategic partnerships with various entities to support progress on SDGs in line with the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

He stated, "The UAE has invested heavily in healthcare, renewable energy, and climate action and began implementing global best practices in sustainable development long back and even before the UN adopted the 17 SDGs in 2016. Today, as we approach the 2030 deadline for achieving SDGs, the UAE continues to intensify partnerships and expand their scopes to boost international efforts."

The delegation took part in a session titled "Tripling Renewable Energy Capacity and Accelerating Just Energy Transitions in the Global South". Here, Lootah discussed the country's commitment to tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030. This pledge aligns with commitments made by 130 countries at COP28 in Dubai.

Dr. Alanoud Alhaj, Assistant Under-Secretary for Green Development and Climate Change at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, spoke about how UAE's climate action focuses on Sustainable Development Goals that enable access to healthcare, adequate food, quality education, and increased resource efficiency.

Climate Action and Healthcare

In collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), the UAE delegation organised a session on mitigating climate change impacts while enhancing global healthcare outcomes. Dr. Alhaj said during this session: "The UAE climate action centres around Sustainable Development Goals that enable access to healthcare, adequate and affordable food, quality education, and increased resource efficiency, among other vital aims. During the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, we stressed that the UAE is committed to ensuring food security for all and remain steadfast in our pursuit of SDG2: Zero Hunger."

She added: "As we navigate the complexities of global warming and environmental degradation, we cannot overlook how these issues impact economic, social, and health-related outcomes. To tackle these, we need a unified strategy for sustainable development. SDG 13 which calls to limit and adapt to climate change is particularly linked with goals that address water scarcity, hunger, health, and economic growth."

The UAE's participation at this forum aims to highlight urgent priorities within developing countries while exploring opportunities to enhance cooperation around SDGs. The focus remains on ending hunger and poverty while accelerating climate mitigation efforts.

The delegation's presentations underscored how strategic planning combined with innovative solutions can make tangible progress towards ending hunger globally. They also emphasised promoting sustainable agriculture through international cooperation.

The UAE continues its efforts towards achieving these goals by fostering partnerships that support peace, justice, strong institutions while addressing critical issues like water scarcity.

With inputs from WAM