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The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre Participates in the GCC Economic Competitiveness Forum to Establish a Unified Framework
08 Dec 2024
The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC) participated in the first Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Economic Competitiveness Forum, organised by Qatar’s Ministry of Finance in collaboration with the World Economic Forum.
The forum brought together representatives from GCC member states with the aim of establishing a unified framework to enhance economic competitiveness, expand areas of cooperation, and build future partnerships. The goal was to improve the GCC’s standings in global competitiveness reports and indices. During the event, the FCSC shared insights into the UAE’s institutionalised approach to managing global competitiveness, through an operational framework overseen by the National Competitiveness Committee.
The forum featured two key sessions: "The Future of GCC Competitiveness" and "Methodologies of Global Reports." These sessions highlighted the role of GCC competitiveness centres in shaping strategies and policies to bolster the region’s competitive capabilities.
Participants also discussed the Global Competitiveness Report issued by the World Economic Forum, which assesses the performance of 141 countries across 103 indicators, grouped into 12 main pillars. These include macroeconomic stability, infrastructure, innovation capacity, and business dynamism.
Hanan Ahli: Achieving GCC Aspirations for global Leadership in Competitiveness Indices
Her Excellency Hanan Mansour Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, stated that the UAE’s participation in the forum reflects the depth of partnerships among GCC member states and the UAE leadership’s commitment to advancing collaborative efforts. These endeavours aim to achieve shared ambitions and position the GCC as a leader in global competitiveness indices.
She noted that the FCSC, operating within an organisational framework led by the National Competitiveness Committee, has developed an innovative and modern model. This approach enables the professional management of the competitiveness portfolio, fostering transformative change and realising future aspirations.
It is worth noting that the FCSC monitors more than 22 competitiveness reports issued by international organisations and tracks over 1,350 global competitiveness indicators across critical sectors such as the economy, health, education, and gender balance. The Centre aligns its efforts with global trends that enhance the UAE’s competitiveness, ensuring its appeal regionally and internationally.
The National Committee on SDGs Emphasises the Importance of Investing in Young Talents and Enhancing International Partnerships
13 Nov 2024
His Excellency Abdulla Lootah, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Experience Exchange and Chairman of the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, emphasised the UAE’s wise leadership’s commitment to investing in Emirati youth, highlighting the nation’s dedication to equipping young talents with the skills necessary to contribute to shaping the UAE’s future vision and advancing sustainable development efforts. H.E. noted that the National Committee on SDGs has actively empowered youth to engage in strategic planning and decision-making processes, pinpointing their pivotal role in implementing sustainability agendas both nationally and globally.
This came during the fourth committee meeting, attended by Her Excellency Maria Hanif Al Qassim, Assistant Undersecretary for Policies and Economic Studies at the Ministry of Economy; His Excellency Nasser Ismail, Assistant Undersecretary of Social Welfare at the Ministry of Community Development; Her Excellency Eng. Alia Abdul Rahim Al Harmoudi, Assistant Undersecretary for Sustainable Communities at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment; His Excellency Dr. Hassan Obaid Al Mheiri, Assistant Undersecretary for Policies and Economic Studies at the Ministry of Education; and Her Excellency Hanan Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC).
In addition to, Her Excellency Bérangère Boell-Yousfi, United Nations Resident Coordinator in the UAE; Eng. Nawal Yousef AlHanaee, Director of Future Energy at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure; His Excellency Maywand Jabarkhyl, CEO of the Fatima bint Mohamed bin Zayed Initiative (FBMI), members of the Youth Advisory Council for Sustainable Development Goals, and representatives from the Ministry of Interior attended the meeting.
The meeting reviewed the achievements of the Youth Advisory Council for Sustainable Development Goals in its second term and its pivotal role in supporting decision-making, thus ensuring inclusive policies to align with the aspirations of future generations.
Youth Advisory Council Achievements
The Youth Advisory Council for Sustainable Development Goals highlighted its key accomplishments in promoting national efforts toward sustainable development. The council launched several initiatives, including "Knowledge Without Borders," which shared the best sustainability practices with over 27 countries, and "Art and Culture for SDGs" which established more than six partnerships to enhance the art and culture ecosystem for sustainability. During COP28, the council hosted a series of international dialogue sessions, with the most notable being the "Health and Climate Change Forum." which focused on exploring the future of healthcare and enhancing preparedness for emerging health-related challenges.
National and Global Updates
Bérangère Boell-Yousfi made a presentation to the committee members, summarising key outcomes from the "Summit of the Future" held by the United Nations in New York in September. The presentation focused on international efforts to accelerate sustainable development, emphasising the importance of international and regional cooperation in achieving sustainable development, and the role of data in tracking progress on both the national and global levels.
The committee further discussed updates on the national plan on SDGs, where Her Excellency Maria Al Qassim presented the Ministry of Economy’s sustainability initiatives, including plans for sustainable tourism, circular economy, sustainable financing, and initiatives to encourage the private sector to adopt the sustainability agenda.
Humanitarian Efforts Focused on Sustainability
The Fatima bint Mohamed bin Zayed Initiative team presented the initiative’s achievements, focusing on sustainability and empowering low-income Afghan communities that have faced significant challenges over the past three decades due to wars and natural disasters. The initiative employed over 8,000 Afghans, 70% of whom are women, provided monthly healthcare to over 25,000 people, and enabled 20,000 children to attend school, providing aid to a total of 1.8 million people.
The National Committee on SDGs is responsible for coordinating efforts among entities to align national policies, strategies, and targets with sustainable development goals, fostering and building national skills to achieve these goals, addressing challenges through partnerships at the local and global levels, preparing national reports, and managing the collection and sharing of SDG data across the UAE.
FCSC Promotes Global Partnerships with International Statistical Offices at the BRICS Meeting
11 Nov 2024
The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC) participated in the 16th Meeting of Heads of BRICS National Statistical Agencies, held in Kazan, Russia. The meeting comes within the activities of the BRICS Summit, in which the UAE participates for the first time as a member of the BRICS.
Meeting of Heads of BRICS National Statistical Agencies serves as an effective platform for decision-makers, statisticians, and global experts in big data, paving the way for sharing knowledge, exploring collaboration opportunities, and getting acquainted with cutting-edge, statistics-related scientific and innovative technologies. The meeting focused on implementing impactful projects and initiatives to support the ongoing evaluation of emerging global needs.
Hanan Ahli: An Opportunity to Highlight the UAE’s Leadership in Digital Transformation and Statistical Excellence
Her Excellency Hanan Mansour Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, stated that participating in this important event provided an opportunity to build bridges and foster effective partnerships with the National Statistics Offices of the BRICS. Furthermore, it paved the way for developing global and innovative statistical systems, using top-notch, reliable data to showcase the UAE’s pioneering model in digital transformation and the application of state-of-the-art solutions to achieve statistical excellence, support development programmes, and address future needs and challenges.
H.E. Hanan Ahli said that the UAE and its statistical landscape are committed to continuously enhancing the national statistical effectiveness, leveraging modern tools and methodologies to ensure the publication of reliable data on the UAE Unified Numbers, through efficient, adaptable, and agile statistical systems that uphold the highest standards of integrity, while adapting to evolving changes.
"We look forward to building effective partnerships with the National Statistics Offices of BRICS as we approach the activation of the UAE’s membership in the United Nations Statistical Commission, 2025-2028. Our goal is to develop statistical communities, build capacities, and exchange expertise in the fields of statistical governance, the use of big data, and leveraging data science in developing official statistics," she added.
The BRICS Joint Statistical Publication 2024
During the meeting, the "BRICS Joint Statistical Publication 2024", compiled by representatives from the National Statistics Offices of BRICS countries, was launched. It features key economic and social statistics and indices of member countries, such as GDP, inflation rates, price indices, population, employment, and unemployment indicators, etc. Members highlighted that promoting statistical partnerships and cooperation is pivotal to achieving fruitful outcomes in the BRICS statistical activities.
The UAE delegation held bilateral meetings with H.E. Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary General of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation of India, and H.E. Mao Shengyong, Deputy Commissioner of the National Bureau of Statistics of China. The meetings focused on the development of statistical systems, enhancing the role of statistics and data in future readiness across vital sectors, utilising alternative technologies and AI tools for data collection and analysis to support decision-making and strategic planning.
UAE is the 1st globally in the Network Readiness Index according to the UN E-Government Survey 2024
25 Sep 2024
The UAE achieved a perfect score of 100 percent in Telecommunication Infrastructure Index (first in the world), the 1st place in the Human Capital Index in Asia and the Arab world, and the first position in the world in the Content Provisioning and Institutional Framework sub-indices.
Talal Belhoul Al-Falasi:
“With these results, we benefit from the achievements of the efforts of the government, and the minds and hands of the people of this generous nation under the vision of our wise leadership."
Majed Sultan Al-Masmar:
“We appreciate the efforts of our partners whether federal or local government entities, or telecommunications service providers (Etisalat & e and du), who have worked together as one national team in the digital transformation journey."
Hanan Mansoor Ahli:
“The results of the UN E-Government Survey reflect the UAE’s effectiveness of the digital government enablers and the integration of data and statistics across various government entities.”
The Telecommunications & Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) announced that the United Arab Emirates has achieved outstanding results in a number of indicators related to government and digital services as per the United Nations E-Government Survey 2024, which focuses on the role of governments in accelerating digital transformation and artificial intelligence for sustainable development, and providing services that enhance the quality of life of community members.
The UAE in the lead
The report announced by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA) indicated that the UAE ranks first globally in the Telecommunication Infrastructure Index (TII), with a full score of 100%. The report also indicates that the UAE advanced 34 points in the Human Capital Index (HCI), moving from 44th to 10th place, and getting placed first in Asia and the Arab world in this index. This result reflects the considerable efforts made towards national competencies in the UAE, and provide them with the necessary skills to navigate the era of accelerated digital transformation and technological shifts.
The report pointed out that the UAE belongs to the top rated countries in the E-Government Development Index (EGDI), which constitutes the general framework for a set of criteria. The UAE achieved a score of 95%, and advanced two places from what it had achieved in the previous assessment in 2022; thus, maintaining its position on the list of most developed countries in the world.
Among the results of the report are also the UAE’s full score in the e-government literacy (EGL) index, and the world’s first full score in the content provisioning and institutional framework standards, which are two sub-indices of the Online Service Index (OSI).
A new peak
His Excellency Talal Belhoul Al Falasi, Chairman of TDRA, praised the results achieved by the UAE in the UN E-Government Survey 2024, which reflects the efforts of various federal and local government entities, saying: “With these results, the UAE has established a new milestone in its journey towards a brighter future, led by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, along with the government. Today, we reap the rewards of a track record of efforts and achievements by the minds of the people of this generous country, in order to solidify the foundations of a digital knowledge society and economy, leveraging cutting-edge technologies, particularly AI and other transformative technologies”.
His Excellency affirmed, "The UAE’s progress in digital government is an outstanding model in integrating human creativity with technology to facilitate people’s lives. The UAE government has been proactive in investing in the telecommunications sector as part of a forward-looking vision in line with the directives of the wise leadership. For over more than two decades, major investments have been made in telecommunications infrastructure. This, accompanied by the upskilling of government cadres has reflected on our country’s progress in this vital sector, which represents the basis of sustainability and creating the future."
One team; one goal
For his part, H.E. Eng. Majed Sultan Al Mesmar, Director-General of TDRA, stressed that the UAE’s keenness to develop the ICT sector stems from the vision of the wise leadership that this sector is the backbone of development and driver for all other sectors.
H.E. said, "When it comes to global competitiveness and sustainable development strategies, the Telecommunication infrastructure Index stands out as one of the most important pillars as it reflects the level of progress of countries in employing future technologies to create the desired future. We are proud that the results of this index placed the UAE at the forefront of the global scene, and we are reaping the fruits of a long journey of pioneership, effective strategies, insightful vision and joint efforts. Today, the UAE has become an inspiring story in the systematic digital transformation, which supports the digital economy and smart cities based on the principles of inclusive government, customer centricity, business continuity and proactivity. If these results have put us on the top globally, we see this as an important incentive for us to continue to implement the strategic motto of Vision 2031, which is to move from one milestone to another."
H.E. added "Of course, I cannot fail to point out that this index is not the only one in which we have achieved full leadership, as we are today in the first place in Asia and the Arab region in the Human Capital Index, and we have achieved a full score in the e-government literacy sub-index, first in content provisioning and first in institutional framework in the OSI. I would like to point out that these achievements would not have been possible without the spirit of partnership that we shared with federal and local government entities, and especially with telecom service providers in the country (e& and du). I extend my thanks and appreciation to them all.”
On her part, H.E. Hanan Mansoor Ahli, Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC), said, “The results of the UN E-Government Survey 2024 are a reflection of the effectiveness of digital government enablers, and the efficient telecommunications infrastructure that supports Intergovernmental Integration projects and initiatives. It is also a reflection on the integration of data and statistics, which enhance the implementation of future technologies to ensure government readiness for a sustainable future.”
The UN report highlights TDRA’s efforts to enhance capabilities in digital transformation, and the focus on developing governance and public services by adopting several initiatives. One such initiative being the unified automated chat platform for government services, "U-Ask", which relies on generative artificial intelligence to ensure smooth access to e-government services. Efforts also include the Federal Network (FedNet) initiative, which contributes to enhancing the digital efficiency through AI solutions, and the digital national identity initiative "UAE PASS", which is the first digital national identity for all citizens, residents and visitors, allowing users to access services of local and federal government entities, and other service providers. The UAE also applies best standards and global practices to ensure consistency and accessibility across federal government websites.
The UN-DESA launched its report entitled "e-Government Survey” for the first time in 2003, to be released every two years to monitor the extent of development in digital governments and determine the progress levels in their various tracks. The survey primarily aims to help decision-makers and those responsible for digital transformation to proceed with their plans based on reliable analytics and benchmarks which include government portals, services, content, e-participation, data, etc. regionally and locally. The UN-DESA has been developing its standards in this regard in line with emerging developments and technologies, in order to achieve compatibility between such standards and the SDGs as they stand today.
The National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals stresses the importance of the availability of modern data and statistics to introduce the country’s efforts globally
19 Sep 2024
The National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals stressed the importance of the availability of modern data and statistics to introduce the UAE’s efforts globally in all vital sectors, and the need to expand the base of specialized national experts to facilitate the implementation of sustainable development goals, enhance efforts to ensure data standardization, improve the quality of associated reports, and improve coordination levels between national and international bodies to ensure transparency and reduce duplication in efforts to accelerate the achievement of global goals.
This came during the third meeting of the committee chaired by Abdullah Nasser Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Knowledge Exchange and Chairman of the National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals, and in the presence of Her Excellency Maria Hanif Al Qassim, Assistant Undersecretary for Economic Policies and Studies Sector at the Ministry of Economy, His Excellency Nasser Ismail, Assistant Undersecretary for Social Welfare Affairs at the Ministry of Community Development, Her Excellency Eng. Alia Abdul Rahim Al Harmoodi, Assistant Undersecretary for Sustainable Communities Sector at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, and His Excellency Hassan Obaid Al Muhairi, Assistant Undersecretary for Policies and Economic Studies Sector in Ministry of Education.
The meeting was also attended by HE Hanan Mansour Ahli, Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center, HE Colonel Dr. Rashid Khalfan Al Dhakhri, Deputy Director of the General Department of Strategy and Performance Development at the Ministry of Interior, HE Rashid Mohammed Al Hemeiri, Director of the Development and International Cooperation Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Eng. Nawal Yousef Al Hinai, Director of the Future Energy Department at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure.
Abdullah Lootah stressed that the UAE leadership focuses on enhancing investment in national talents and cadres in order to enhance their participation in achieving the country’s future visions and directions, and enhance its contribution to advancing and accelerating efforts to achieve sustainable development goals, stressing the importance of integration in the national effort and expanding cooperation, partnership and coordination at the international level to achieve global development goals.
Abdullah Lootah said that the National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals has worked since its inception to support national initiatives aimed at achieving the sustainable development goals, and to enhance national capacity-building efforts to enable them to participate in this global march, which reflects the keenness of the country. The UAE is actively involved in creating a better future for future generations.
During the meeting, the members of the committee stressed the importance of enhancing transparency in the exchange of data between national and international bodies to ensure consistency of reports and achieve integration between the concerned parties, and reviewed a number of successful international experiences in improving data systems and the possibility of benefiting from them in supporting the national system for data collection and analysis.
The meeting stressed the importance of focusing on achieving sustainability indicators comprehensively through coordination at the national and global levels and improving data flow, in addition to focusing on building the capacity of national task forces through training programs that adopt continuous learning to ensure the sustainability of data quality, and discussed ways to improve the availability of data related to the sustainable development goals, the main challenges in the subject of data, in terms of its quality and flow, and efforts to apply international standards in data collection.
The meeting reviewed the latest developments in the work of the Committee in ensuring the continuation of data collection related to the Sustainable Development Goals, coordinating meetings to review indicators, and continuing to work in partnership with international organizations to build Capacity in the field of methodologies for calculating indicator data, and working with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) on a plan to harmonize and update data, review data availability and the rate of achievement of data indicators.
Members of the committee discussed ways to enhance work and coordination with the concerned authorities to spread the culture of sustainability and awareness of the sustainable development goals, and activate community partnerships to highlight the UAE’s efforts in this field.
The members of the committee were briefed on the achievements of joint work to achieve the sustainable development goals, as the last period witnessed the participation of more than 350 people in meetings that dealt with enhancing cooperation with 34 international organizations, as well as cooperation with 37 federal and local government agencies, in addition to the implementation of more than 100 hours of workshops and events, and the focus was on building national capacities through 24 workshops, while 27 technical meetings were held to follow up on the implementation of the national plan.
The participants learned about the level of progress in achieving the sustainable development goals through the National Data Plan, which increased during 2024 to 58%, compared to 42% achieved last year. The global achievement rate of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) this year is 17%, according to the recently announced by UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
It is noteworthy that the National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals undertakes a number of key tasks, including coordinating with the concerned authorities to align and review national policies, strategies and targets with the sustainable development goals, building and strengthening national capacities to achieve sustainable development goals and face challenges through partnerships locally and globally, preparing national reports on the country’s results and efforts to achieve the sustainable development goals, and coordinating with the authorities to prepare and disseminate data related to sustainable development goals at the state level.
UAE’s GDP hits AED430 billion in Q1 2024
09 Sep 2024
ABU DHABI, 9th September, 2024 — Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, said that the preliminary estimates of the UAE’s GDP growth in the Q1 2024, issued by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC), underline the resilience and vitality of the national economy and exemplify its ability to continue on the path of sustainable growth.
He highlighted that the country’s real GDP reached AED430 billion in Q1 2024, recording a remarkable growth of 3.4 percent compared to the same period in 2023, while the non-oil GDP grew by 4 percent compared to the same period last year.
"Under the guidance of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the country adopted an innovative economic model that supports its future vision, along with effective national economic strategies, enhancing openness to the world, promoting partnerships, and transitioning towards an economic model based on flexibility and innovation," Bin Touq added.
He emphasised that the national economy’s positive results reinforce achieving the economic objectives of the "We the UAE 2031" vision, which includes raising the country’s GDP to AED3 trillion by the next decade.
Hanan Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, said, "The financial and economic data and indicators endorsing the growth of the UAE’s GDP Q1 2024 reflect the resilience of the country’s vital economic sectors. It highlights the effectiveness of the concerted efforts to implement wise leadership’s directives to enhance sustainable economic diversification, reduce dependence on oil, promote investments, and attract capital and innovative and emerging projects to the country."
She added that the UAE’s advanced rankings in multiple global economic competitiveness indicators can be attributed to several factors, including the stability of the financial system, the strength of the national economy, and the effectiveness of economic legislation and policies applied in the country, besides their ability to adapt to changes and face regional and global challenges.
Based on the data released by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, financial and insurance activities have emerged as the leading non-oil economic sector contributing to the UAE’s GDP growth, with a remarkable growth of 7.9 percent. This growth can be attributed to the significant increase in the local credit granted to the private sector, which led to a six percent growth and positively impacted the rebound of non-oil economic activities.
Following closely behind in the second place are transportation and storage activities, which grew 7.3 percent. This growth was driven by a notable increase in the number of travellers at the country’s airports during the first three months of this year, reaching 36.5 million travellers, a growth rate of 14.7 percent compared to the same period last year.
The UAE’s ports have demonstrated exceptional performance during this time, with Dubai’s international ports witnessing a 3.7 percent growth in the number of containers handled, while Abu Dhabi’s ports experienced a 36 percent increase in cargo handling volume on an annual basis.
Ranking third, construction and building activities experienced a growth rate of 6.2 percent, which aligns with the several development projects initiated by the UAE government in early 2024. They saw a substantial rise in the government’s public capital expenditures, reaching AED4.8 billion, compared to that of Q1 2023.
The restaurant and hotel sector secured the fourth spot with a 4.6 percent growth during the first quarter of 2024 compared to the corresponding period in 2023. Moreover, the UAE emerged at the forefront of the global tourism landscape, attracting a substantial number of tourists from around the world.
In particular, Dubai witnessed a remarkable influx of 5.18 million international tourists, representing an 11 percent increase compared to the corresponding period in 2023. Abu Dhabi also maintained its exceptional performance in key tourism indicators, including the average hotel occupancy rates and revenue per available rooms.
Trade activities made the largest contribution to the non-oil GDP, accounting for 16.1 percent. Manufacturing activities come in second at 14.6 percent, with financial and insurance activities ranking third at a rate of 13.4 percent.
Construction and building activities contribute 11.8 percent, followed by real estate activities with a contribution of 7.1 percent.
Discussing efforts to achieve Gulf statistical excellence at the global level
20 Aug 2024
The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center discussed with a delegation from the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, the national and joint efforts of the GCC countries towards achieving global statistical excellence, and the two sides discussed ways to enhance fruitful cooperation frameworks and expand areas of future partnerships.
This came within a visit by the delegation of the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, headed by Intisar bint Abdullah Al-Wahaibi, Director General of the Center, during which she met with Hanan Mansour Ahli, Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center and the Federal Center team.
The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre plays an active role in the Standing Committee for Statistical Work Affairs of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, which includes the heads and directors of national statistical agencies in the member states, in addition to a representative from the General Secretariat of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, and the Director General of the Gulf Statistical Center, and the Committee supports the Gulf statistical work roadmap, efforts to harmonize and coordinate work in the region and enhance statistical capacities in the demographic, social, economic, environmental, energy and tourism sectors. Methodologies and data quality, indicators of development, progress and sustainability, information and statistical awareness.
National Projects
The meeting discussed the strategic national statistical projects of the UAE, their role in serving development programs at the national and international levels, and their contribution to improving the UAE’s competitiveness in global reports and indicators and achieving the goals of sustainable development 2030, and the meeting praised the role of the GCC Statistical Center in monitoring figures and statistics concerned with vital sectors in the GCC countries, and introducing the experience and specificity of the GCC countries and what they represent of a unified economic and social bloc, in addition to supporting National strategic decision-making and planning processes for current and future Gulf projects.
Strengthening Gulf work mechanisms
Hanan Mansour Ahli affirmed the firm commitment of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre in the UAE, to support the strengthening of the mechanisms of joint statistical work of the Gulf statistical centers, and the employment of modern and innovative technologies and harnessing big data science and artificial intelligence to serve the development of vital sectors and keep pace with international practices In the field of statistics.
She praised the efforts and initiatives of the Statistical Center for the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, and its effective role in raising the efficiency of the Gulf statistical system.
UAE Model For
her part, Intisar bint Abdullah Al Wahaibia praised the efforts of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center in highlighting the UAE’s pioneering statistical model, which was reflected in her selection as a member of the United Nations Statistical Commission for the period 2025-2028, noting that the UAE’s membership in the United Nations Statistical Commission contributes to strengthening the joint Gulf statistical work.
She said that the distinguished level of cooperation between national statistical centers and agencies in the GCC countries represents an important factor in promoting joint Gulf action, implementing the strategic plan for joint Gulf statistical work, harmonizing national statistical strategies with international best practices in this field, and exchanging knowledge and experiences to enhance statistical capabilities at the level of the GCC countries.
Enhancing Gulf statistical cooperation
The meeting discussed ways to benefit from the UAE’s hosting of the regional headquarters of the United Nations Big Data Platform, and to enhance Cooperation between the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center and the Gulf Statistical Center in this field in light of the capabilities provided by the platform that support the development of accurate official statistics, build capacities for the use of big data and data science in statistical authorities in the region, benefit from successful practices and exchange experiences and knowledge in employing modern technology for data analysis, in a way that contributes to innovating solutions and developing distinguished services that enhance efforts to achieve sustainable development goals, and create an incubating and supportive environment for innovators in the field of advanced data science in Gulf states.
The meeting discussed projects and initiatives related to linking and integrating statistical data between the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center and the Gulf Statistical Center, which include data collection, exchange, processing and dissemination automatically and securely, to support the preparation of statistical reports and studies in many fields in the GCC countries, which contributes to strengthening joint Gulf action.
Preparations of statistical center’s
The meeting touched on the preparations of the official statistical centers in the GCC countries and the Statistical Center for the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf. To celebrate the Gulf Statistics Day, which falls on December 24, 2024, which will be celebrated by the Center with all statistical centers and agencies in the GCC countries on December 9, 2024, in order to emphasize the importance of statistics and its role in the development planning process, and to consolidate the partnership between the countries of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf to improve and develop the statistical environment.
It is worth mentioning that the establishment of the Statistical Center for the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf was announced and the adoption of the Omani capital Muscat as its permanent headquarters in December 2012, to represent an official source of data, information and statistics of the GCC countries, and its statute was adopted by the Supreme Council of the Cooperation Council, which includes Their Majesties and Highnesses the heads of member states: the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Sultanate of Oman, the State of Qatar and the State of Kuwait.
Press Release – The UAE Government Launches the Third Edition of the Global Councils on Sustainable Development Goals at the World Government Summit 2025
13 Feb 2025
Under the Chairmanship of H.E. Ohood Bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and the Future
18 Global Ministers Chair the Global Councils, with 17 Senior UAE Government Officials as Vice Chairs
Ohood Al Roumi: “The UAE remains committed to advancing efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, shaping a better future for present and future generations.”
Abdulla Lootah: “The Global Councils on Sustainable Development Goals serve as a global bridge, connecting the UAE with 17 partner countries through the Government Knowledge Exchange Program.”
The UAE Government has launched the third cohort of the Global Councils on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as part of the 12th World Government Summit 2025, held in Dubai from February 11 to 13. The launch took place during a high-level ministerial roundtable chaired by H.E. Ohood Bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and the Future and Chair of the Global Councils on Sustainable Development Goals, with the participation of H.E. Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Knowledge Exchange and Vice Chair of the Global Councils on SDGs, along with the 18 Council Chairs from 17 countries and 17 Vice Chairs from the UAE.
H.E. Ohood Al Roumi emphasized that, under the guidance of the UAE’s leadership, the UAE continues to enhance efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by focusing on readiness and practical opportunities to double qualitative achievements and empower governments to drive sustainable development.
Since its inception in 2018 through the World Governments Summit platform, the ongoing work of the Global Councils on SDGs reflects the UAE’s commitment to accelerating international cooperation for achieving development goals. It also supports efforts to ensure a more sustainable future for future generations by sharing expertise, fostering partnerships, focusing on implementation and impact, and uniting efforts to build a sustainable future.
H.E. Abdulla Nasser Lootah stated: “Under the directives of the UAE’s leadership, the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals is launching the third cohort of the Global Councils on SDGs through the World Governments Summit platform. This initiative provides a comprehensive system for forecasting the future of sustainable development efforts. It serves as a strategic step to enhance constructive international cooperation and add a new qualitative dimension to national efforts by expanding knowledge partnerships with partner countries in the Government Experience Exchange Programme. The councils act as a global bridge connecting the UAE with decision-makers and thought leaders in sustainability, working together to accelerate global efforts and develop mechanisms that enhance the achievement of SDGs beyond 2030.”
The National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals has launched the third edition of the Global Councils, adopting a more inclusive and pioneering model that brings together decision-makers and thought leaders from 17 partner governments worldwide. These governments are strategically partnered with the UAE through the Government Experience Exchange Programme, covering areas such as government research and development, investment, energy, environment, agriculture, advanced technology, and green and blue economies. The initiative aims to accelerate SDG implementation, address key global issues, highlight international priorities, and strengthen the development agenda through the SDGs in Action Forum at the World Governments Summit. It also fosters experience exchange and best practices in sustainability to promote international collaboration and drive progress towards the 2030 Agenda and beyond.
Leadership of the Global Councils on SDGs (2025-2026)
H.E. Ohood Bint Khalfan Al Roumi will chair the Global Councils from 2025 to 2026, with H.E. Abdulla Nasser Lootah serving as Vice Chair. Each council will operate as an independent working group, comprising a Chair, a Vice Chair, and council members.
The Global Councils on SDGs will be chaired by prominent international figures, including: Goal 1: H.E. Sec. Rex Gatchalian, 28th Secretary of Social Welfare and Development, Philippines, Goal 2: H.E. Dr. Anxious Masuka, Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Zimbabwe, Goal 3: H.E. Dato Dr. Isham Jaafar, Minister of Health, Brunei Darussalam, Goal 4: H.E. Bui Thanh Son, Deputy Prime Minister, Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, Goal 5: Hon. Savannah Maziya, Minister of Information, Communication and Technology, Eswatini, Goal 6: H.E. Bakyt Torobaev, Deputy Chairman of Cabinet and Minister of Water Resources and Agriculture, Kyrgyzstan, Goal 7: Hon. Miriam Dalli, Minister for the Environment, Energy, and the Public Cleanlisness, Malta, Goal 8: Hon. Devika Vidot, Minister of Investment, Entrepreneurship, and Industry, Seychelles, Goal 9: Hon. Paula Ingabire, Minister of ICT, Rwanda, and H.E. Sherzod Shermatov, Minister of Digital Technologies, Uzbekistan, Goal 10: H.E. Noor Al Khulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development, Bahrain, Goal 11: H.E. Belfor Henao, Minister of ICT, Colombia, Goal 12: Hon. Dr. Girma Amente, Minister of Agriculture, Ethiopia, Goal 13: H.E. Thoriq Ibrahim, Minister of Tourism and Environment, Maldives, Goal 14: Hon. Adrian Forde, Minister of Environment, National Beautification, Green, and Blue Economy, Barbados, Goal 15: H.E. Max Fontaine, Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, Madagascar, Goal 16: H.E. Dr. Vincent Biruta, Minister of Interior, Rwanda, and Goal 17: H.E. Mukhtar Babayev, Azerbaijan.
UAE Representatives in the Global Councils
To strengthen productive partnerships in the Global Councils on SDGs for sustainable progress at both national and international levels, 17 senior UAE government officials have been appointed as Vice Chairs of the councils. These officials, including Directors-General and Undersecretaries, represent the UAE’s best practices and ensure that national perspectives align with the diverse needs and aspirations of various communities. The UAE representatives include: Goal 1: Dr. Fuzan Al-Khalidi, Director of Programs and Initiatives Department, Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, Goal 2: H.E. Hamoud Abdullah Al Jneibi, Deputy Secretary-General, Emirates Red Crescent, Goal 3: H.E. Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO, Dubai Academic Health Corporation, Goal 4: H.E. Aisha Miran, Director-General, Knowledge and Human Development Authority, Dubai, Goal 5: H.E. Hanan Ahli, Managing Director, Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, Goal 6: Mr. Mohammed Al Shamsi, Chief Office Climate Change and Sustainability, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Goal 7: Mr. Mohamed Al Ramahi, CEO, Masdar, Goal 8: H.E. Omar Al Suwaidi, Director at the Executive Office and Sustainability Directorate, ADNOC, Goal 9: H.E. Ahmed Ali Alwan, CEO, Hub71, Goal 10: H.E. Hessa Buhumaid, Director General, Community Development Authority, Dubai, Goal 11: H.E. Eng. Marwan bin Ghalita, Acting Director General, Dubai Municipality, Goal 12: H.E. Abdullah Al Saleh, Undersecretary, Ministry of Economy, Goal 13: H.E. Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, President, International Union for Conservation of Nature and Managing Director of Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, Goal 14: H.E. Dr. Shaikha Al Dhaheri, Secretary General, Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, Goal 15: H.E. Mohammad Al Nuaimi, Undersecretary, Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Goal 16: H.E. Lt. Col. Dana Hamid Al Marzouqi, Director General, International Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Interior, Goal 17: Mr. Ali Humaid Al Derei, Lead of Partnerships and International Cooperation, Abu Dhabi Fund for Development.
Since their launch at the World Government Summit in 2018, the Global Councils on SDGs have successfully completed their second cycle. Now, they embark on their third cycle (2025-2026), forming a unique network of decision-makers and thought leaders from 17 countries to foster positive partnerships and accelerate SDG progress globally.
Press Release – “SDGs in Action” Forum in Its 9th Edition as Part of the World Governments Summit 2025
12 Feb 2025
The UAE’s National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) organized the ninth edition of the “SDGs in Action” Forum as part of the World Governments Summit 2025, held in Dubai from February 11–13. The forum brought together heads of state, ministers, UN officials, representatives of prestigious international organizations, and a distinguished group of thought leaders and policymakers under the theme “Shaping Future Governments.”
Under the theme “Envisioning Development Goals 2045: Inclusive Pathways to Sustainable Development,” the forum spotlighted six key pillars aligned with the UN’s SDGs: health, gender equality, economic growth, marine life, climate action, and global partnerships. Through a series of panel discussions, the forum displayed leading national and global models for driving innovative solutions to accelerate SDG implementation. Key topics included ensuring resilient and inclusive societies, deploying innovative strategies to enhance universal health coverage, empowering women through gender equality initiatives, advancing inclusive economic growth to create sustainable job opportunities, fostering pathways towards a sustainable blue economy, and strengthening global partnerships to achieve the post-2030 development agenda.
The forum also addressed pressing global challenges by presenting transformative and innovative solutions to accelerate sustainable development. It convened global leaders, ministers, policymakers, executives, and experts across diverse sectors. Distinguished participants included H.E. Wavel Ramkalawan, President of the Republic of Seychelles; H.E. Bui Thanh Son, Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam; H.E. Devika Vidot, Minister of Investment, Entrepreneurship and Industry of Seychelles; H.E. Rex Gatchalian, Secretary of Department of Social Welfare and Development of the Philippines; H.E. Dr. Haji Mohammad Jaafar, Minister of Health of Brunei Darussalam; H.E. Thoriq Ibrahim, Minister of Tourism and Environment of the Maldives; H.E. Miriam Dalli, Minister for the Environment, Energy and Public Cleanliness of Malta; H.E. Uchral Nyam Osor Songoon, Minister of Cabinet Affairs of Mongolia; H.E. Mukhtar Babayev, COP29 President and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs of Azerbaijan; H.E. Max Andonirina Fontaine, Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development of Madagascar; and H.E. Odile Francoise Renaud-basso, President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
On the national level, prominent figures such as H.E. Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, H.E. Dr. Maitha bint Salem Al Shamsi, Minister of State; H.E. Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and H.E. Dr. Hamdan Musallam Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Red Crescent Authority participated in the forum
H.E. Wavel Ramkalawan, President of Seychelles, emphasized the significance of global cooperation in achieving sustainable development, stating: “We live in a world facing escalating challenges where no country can work alone. Our shared future depends on fostering productive collaborations and transformative innovations that drive fundamental solutions towards achieving sustainable development goals. At the ‘SDGs in Action’ Forum, we are not just discussing change—we are leading it and making it happen together.”
During her keynote session on “Protecting Oceans and Marine Life: Pathways to a Sustainable Blue Economy,” H.E. Dr. Amna Al Dahak underscored the forum’s role as a global platform for dialogue and collaboration. She highlighted the importance of innovative solutions for a more sustainable future, particularly in promoting a sustainable blue economy and leveraging advanced technologies for ocean conservation.
H.E. Al Dahak added “The forum provides policymakers with an opportunity to reinforce global commitments to protecting marine biodiversity and strengthening climate resilience. The decisions we make today will shape the future of our oceans by 2030 and lay the foundation for a sustainable and thriving marine economy extending beyond 2045.”
H.E. Dr. Maitha bint Salem Al Shamsi, Minister of State, emphasized the UAE’s commitment to global impact, stating: “Under the visionary leadership of the UAE and inspired by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the UAE continues its journey toward cross-border influence. Today, we call on the world to work together for a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future.”
In a session on “Driving Change: UAE’s Commitment to Women’s Empowerment and Inclusion,” H.E. Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi highlighted the nation’s dedication to gender balance, stating: “Under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the country has placed significant emphasis on empowering women and supporting related initiatives. Women’s empowerment is a fundamental pillar of the UAE’s vision for national development, positioning them as key contributors to the nation’s future and societal advancement.”
She further expressed appreciation for the role of “Mother of the Nation,” Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, in championing women’s empowerment, stating: “We extend our deep gratitude to Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak for her pivotal role in supporting women as essential partners in the UAE’s comprehensive development.”
Her Excellency Al Kaabi also highlighted the prominent roles women hold across the UAE’s political, executive, and legislative sectors. The country ranked 7th globally and 1st regionally in the 2024 Gender Inequality Index (GII) issued by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), reaffirming the UAE’s leadership in fostering gender balance and accelerating progress toward sustainable development goals.
H.E. Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Experience Exchange and Chair of the UAE’s National Committee on SDGs, emphasized the country’s commitment to sustainability, stating: “Under the directives of the UAE’s leadership, the nation continues its tireless efforts to establish itself as a global model in sustainable development, implementing strategies that balance economic, environmental, and social needs to ensure the well-being of current and future generations.”
He further stated: “Since its inception in 2016, the ‘SDGs in Action’ Forum has served as a strategic annual platform for global leaders, policymakers, and UN officials to activate multilateral partnerships and develop proactive, innovative solutions to accelerate comprehensive development beyond 2030.”
The “SDGs in Action” Forum, as part of the 12th edition of the World Governments Summit, will feature a diverse agenda of national and global sessions and dialogues. Key highlights include the annual meeting of the UAE National Committee on SDGs chaired by H.E. Abdulla Nasser Lootah, bringing together key national stakeholders to unify efforts in preparation for the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development at the United Nations in New York.
The forum also hosted the third edition of the XDGs 2045 Ministerial Roundtable, a high-level global network dedicated to shaping the post-2030 development trajectory. Additionally, The third edition of the Global Councils on SDGs—an international, multidisciplinary network of government decision-makers—will also convene to advance the sustainable development agenda.
Press Release – UAE’s National Committee on SDGs Holds First Meeting at the 2025 World Governments Summit
10 Feb 2025
The UAE’s National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) convened its first meeting of 2025 on the sidelines of the “SDGs in Action” Forum, under the theme “Envisioning Development Goals 2045: Inclusive Pathways to Sustainable Development ” as part of the World Governments Summit. The meeting reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to reinforcing its leadership in achieving the SDGs nationally and globally. It served as a strategic platform to review the latest updates on national efforts, discuss the action plan for the current year, and foster strategic partnerships that accelerate progress and drive sustainable development toward a brighter future.
During the meeting, the committee’s General Secretariat presented the agenda for the “SDGs in Action” Forum 2025, held as part of the World Governments Summit, highlighting its role as a leading global platform for exchanging insights, experiences, and best international practices. Additionally, the roadmap for the committee’s 2025 activities was discussed, featuring a series of key events and international engagements aimed at strengthening coordination between national and international entities and ensuring the effective implementation of initiatives and projects that contribute to sustainable development.
In this context, His Excellency Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Experience Exchange and Chair of the UAE’s National Committee on SDGs, emphasized the committee’s pivotal role in steering national efforts towards achieving the 2030 global agenda, stating: “The UAE does not merely participate—it leads change through ambitious visions, innovative policies, and strategic partnerships that create real impact. This approach strengthens the UAE’s position as a global leader in sustainability. We move forward with national and international cooperation as a fundamental pillar in ensuring a sustainable future for nations and societies.”
He added: “The committee’s 2025 action plan is a commitment to fostering a dynamic collaboration environment, integrating national efforts within a global network of influential partnerships to amplify collective impact. This approach accelerates development and ensures a sustainable global impact—not only for our country but for the world at large.”
The UAE’s National Committee on SDGs comprises a distinguished group of national entities playing a key role in implementing policies that support the UN’s goals. Members include the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Health and Prevention, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, and the Ministry of Community Empowerment.
It is worth noting that the UAE’s National Committee on SDGs was established to implement the 2030 SDGs, align the UAE’s priorities with global objectives, and exchange expertise with partners locally and internationally. This effort aims to expand the network of active participants in executing the United Nations’ SDG agenda.
Press Release – International Experts Discuss the Role of Data in Developing Statistics and Supporting Policymaking
30 Jan 2025
The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC), in partnership with the United Nations’ “Data Science Leaders Network,” organized an international seminar titled “Harnessing Data Science Mechanisms towards Economic Statistics Development” in Dubai. The event was attended by officials from the United Nations, as well as experts and specialists in big data from Equatorial Guinea, Georgia, Malawi, Mozambique, Peru, Rwanda, and other countries.
The international seminar highlighted the vital role of data and statistics in guiding effective policies and decision-making. It discussed key practices related to the use of big data and artificial intelligence mechanisms that will support significant economic opportunities by providing accurate and highly reliable information. This aims to achieve future insights that contribute to improving wellbeing and promoting prosperity for the UAE and the world.
The seminar included inspirational sessions covering topics such as “The Global Charter for the Future and the Digital Transformation of Economic Statistics” and “The Journey of Artificial Intelligence in the UAE: From Data to Insights.” It also discussed the pivotal role of big data in supporting national statistical systems across various countries.
Hanan Ahli: Effective partnerships are the first steps in activating the UAE’s membership in the UN Statistical Commission
Her Excellency Hanan Mansour Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, emphasized that the seminar is part of the centre’s initiatives to translate the UAE government’s directions for investing in the latest technology and data sciences. This aims to vitalize the national statistical system to achieve tangible progress in producing unified and high-quality data that positively impacts the national economy and enhances its competitiveness.
Ahli added that organizing the international seminar in partnership with UN committees represents the first steps towards activating the UAE’s membership in the United Nations Statistical Commission for the period 2025-2028. It presents a distinct opportunity to enhance global statistical dialogue, working together towards innovative statistical solutions and integrating national and global efforts to make data-driven decisions, address global challenges, and support sustainable economic development.
Mohammed Hassan: A pioneering step towards exploring new horizons in the world of data
His Excellency Mohammed Hassan, Executive Director of the Statistics and Data Sciences Sector at FCSC, stated that hosting the United Nations’ “Data Science Leaders Network” in the UAE represents a pioneering step towards exploring new horizons in the field of data and its alternative sources. This enhances the efficiency of statistical operations to produce accurate and comprehensive official data within the framework of the Unified UAE Numbers project, supporting decision-making, policy formulation, and strategic planning.
Stefan Schweinfest: A strategic platform encompassing shared visions for developing statistical methodologies
Stefan Schweinfest, Director of the UN Statistics Division, praised the efforts of the FCSC in hosting the international seminar ” Harnessing Data Science Mechanisms towards Economic Statistics Development.” He stated, “This seminar is not just a gathering of experts and specialists but a strategic platform encompassing shared global visions.” It supports the agenda of upcoming meetings of the United Nations Statistical Commission in New York, focusing on developing statistical methodologies related to digital economy and economic statistics, highlighting their importance in the prosperity of societies and improving individuals’ wellbeing.
It’s worth noting that the Data Science Leaders Network was established under the management of the United Nations Expert Group on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics (UN-CEBD) to enhance continuous statistical efforts and develop guidelines for integrating AI mechanisms and data science within national and international statistical offices. This supports strengthening statistical systems, improving their efficiency, and ensuring the production of accurate and high-quality data and statistics.
Press Release – Officials and Chief Sustainability Officers Shape the Future of Global Development Goals for 2045 During the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week
16 Jan 2025
Ministers overseeing environmental, energy, and sustainability portfolios from over 10 countries, along with 30 chief sustainability officers from leading global companies, convened to envision the future of international efforts to achieve the 2045 Global Development Goals. Discussions centered on shaping the future of the clean energy sector and enhancing it through advanced technology and artificial intelligence.
This took place during a session titled “XDGS 2045: A Quantum Leap toward Inclusive Global Energy” organised by the UAE’s National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as part of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2025. The event, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, runs from January 12 to 18.
Leadership Perspectives
His Excellency Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, emphasised: “Focusing on shaping and developing the clean and renewable energy sector using advanced technology and artificial intelligence is a critical step toward envisioning the future of sustainable development. Our wise leadership believes in the power of innovation and technology to drive transformative change toward achieving sustainable development goals.”
He added: “We are committed to providing practical, implementable solutions that support the sustainable development agenda beyond 2030, aiming for 2045. I invite everyone to work together and think innovatively to enhance people’s wellbeing, protect our planet, and ensure a sustainable future for upcoming generations.”
His Excellency Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Experience Exchange and Chair of the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, who moderated the session, underscored the importance of expanding global dialogue to enhance international partnerships in designing future sustainable development pathways. He stated: “Accelerating the achievement of sustainable development goals requires strengthening cooperation and fostering a proactive understanding across various fields. The renewable and clean energy sector is a cornerstone of sustainability and a driver of wellbeing improvements for future generations.”
He also noted that the session’s outcomes will form a central part of the third report on Sustainable Development Goals 2045, set to be launched at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) 2025. This report will issue an open invitation to the international community to design the new global development agenda and the SDGs for 2045.
Dr. Nawal Al Hosany, Permanent Representative of the UAE to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), stated in her opening remarks: “The UAE reaffirms its unwavering commitment to supporting the transition to a sustainable and inclusive energy future by leveraging innovation and advanced technology to ensure clean and renewable energy for all. Our wise leadership believes in the importance of international cooperation and strategic partnerships to accelerate the global energy transition, positioning the UAE as a global model for innovation and sustainability.”
Global Participation
The session saw the participation of 30 ministers and chief sustainability officers from leading global companies, including: Dr. Mahmoud Mohieldin, UN Special Envoy on Financing the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda; Lorenzo Tacchella, Private Partnerships Manager – GCC countries at World Food Programme; Ibrahim Al-Zu’bi, Chief Sustainability & ESG Officer at ADNOC Group; Sarah Shaw, Director of the National Corporate Social Responsibility Fund – Majra.
The session also saw the participation of prominent global companies and international organisations such as ADNOC, IKEA, DP World, First Abu Dhabi Bank, the United Nations, and the World Food Programme.
The Future of Clean and Renewable Energy by 2045
The session focused on the future of energy within Goal 7 of the SGDs on “Affordable and Clean Energy”. Discussions revolved around envisioning the future of clean energy, the role of artificial intelligence, and the integration of clean energy into the future energy mix. Participants explored innovative technologies for renewable energy production and emphasised the need to enhance investments in renewable energy projects, contributing to transformative positive changes in the clean energy sector.
They also examined strategies for building and expanding global partnerships to support clean energy initiatives, including solar, wind, tidal energy, and green hydrogen.
Vision for 2045
The concept of Sustainable Development Goals 2045 reflects a global consensus on the importance of developing a new framework building on the outcomes of the 2030 Agenda. This initiative supports efforts to ensure global prosperity and inclusive development. The idea emerged during the SDGs in Action Forum at the World Governments Summit 2023, aiming to chart the post-2030 future.
The session built on the outcomes of the Sustainable Development Goals 2045 Report, launched by the National Committee on SDGs during the HLPF on Sustainable Development held in New York in July of 2024. The report provides a comprehensive roadmap and serves as a foundation for a new global agenda toward a sustainable future for all.
The Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025 represents a global initiative launched by the UAE over 15 years ago to accelerate the achievement of sustainable development goals. Hosted by Masdar, the leading energy company, the event carries the theme: “The Nexus of Next. Supercharging Sustainable Progress.” It aims to accelerate sustainable development efforts, drive economic, social, and environmental progress, and foster dialogue among decision-makers, business leaders, and the community to chart pathways toward a sustainable economy and inclusive growth.
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