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DATA FOR A BETTER FUTURE
The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre announced the launch of the Statistics Youth Council, as part of its initiatives aimed at empowering youth in the fields of statistics, and enhancing their role in developing innovative ideas and experiences, through a platform for exchanging knowledge, expertise and successful experiences; whilst also providing an opportunity for youth to contribute to the development of statistical methodologies, and forming the features of a unified national statistical system that contributes to supporting the development process of the UAE and enhancing its leadership and competitiveness globally.
The Statistics Youth Council members consists of 14 Emirati youths made up from different statistical centers at the federal and local levels across the country. The formation of the Council was announced, in the presence of His Excellency Mubarak Al Nakhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture and Youth, Her Excellency Hanan Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, His Excellency Abdullah Al Qemzi, Acting Director General of the Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi, and a number of officials and young members of the new Council.
H.E. Mubarak Al Nakhi stressed that the establishment of the Statistics Youth Council, initiated by FCSC, to include representatives of youth from different local statistical centers in the UAE, reflects the wise leadership’s commitment to enhancing governmental integration in shaping future paths. It embodies their directives on the importance of investing in the capabilities of young national talents, building their capacities and skills, and encouraging their active contribution to the development of various government sectors.
H.E. Al Nakhi stated that the Statistics Youth Council will contribute to transforming the energy and creativity of young Emirati talents into ideas and projects that enhance the role of the statistical community in leading initiatives aimed at serving the society of the United Arab Emirates.
Hanan Ahli: Enabling young cadres to develop methodologies and innovate solutions to the challenges of the statistical sector
For her part, Her Excellency Hanan Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, stressed the importance of the role of the Council in supporting the UAE government’s directions to enhance the role of youth in various fields, and in enabling young cadres to work on developing statistical methodologies and innovating solutions to the challenges of the statistical sector in the country.
H.E. Hanan Ahli said that the council will provide a platform and an open space to build the capacities of young people, and provide them with the necessary skills and tools in the fields of statistical analysis, data and reports, and understanding changes in the economy and society at the local and regional levels. and international.
The launch of the Statistical Youth Council is part of the government initiatives aimed at supporting the efforts to implement the pillars and targets of the UAE Centennial 2071. This vision, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai (may God protect him), represents a comprehensive and long-term national vision for the next five decades. It focuses on enhancing the role of youth in building a more sustainable future, creating an incubating environment for generating innovative and creative ideas, and ensuring a better future for the coming generations.
In its third meeting, held at the Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi, the Higher Committee for Coordination of Statistical Work discussed the latest developments in the UAE’s nomination to the United Nations Statistical Commission (UNSC), a number of topics related to statistical projects in the country, and ways to enhance coordination and integration between statistical centers at the federal and local levels, in order to enhance the leadership and competitiveness of the UAE government in various fields.
The meeting was attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Statistics, H.E. Hanan Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, Abdulla Gharib Al Qemzi, Acting Director General of the Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi, Dr. Ibrahim Saad, Director of the Fujairah Statistics Center, and Najwa Yaqoub, Executive Director of the Ras Al Khaimah Center for Statistics and Studies.
The meeting came as a continuation of a series of follow-up meetings on joint statistical projects and initiatives on a country level, which aims to enhance cooperation between statistical authorities, coordinate national statistical work and implement strategies that serve the integration of government work in the country.
Dubai, Nov. 2 (WAM) — The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC) has launched an initiative to build the capabilities of its employees in the fields of programming, data science, artificial intelligence and machine learning, through a digital training platform that provides interactive courses and workshops, in partnership with the global platform "Data Camp" specialized in training and capacity building in the fields of data science and artificial intelligence.
The launch of the capacity development initiative "Grow@FCSC", was featured as part of the “Project Showcase" segment for UAE Codes 2023. This day was launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, as an annual national occasion to celebrate the community of programmers in the country on October 29 of each year.
H.E. Mohamed Hassan, Executive Director of the Statistics and Data Science Sector at the FCSC, stressed the Centre’s keenness to build the capabilities of the employees on a sustainable basis, ensuring that they keep pace with the most prominent technological developments in the fields of data science, artificial intelligence, and advanced technological solutions, in a way that enhances their capabilities and benefit from the program.
His Excellency said that the platform was developed by specialists in the fields of learning, training, institutional business intelligence and data science, pointing out that the capacity development initiative "Grow@FCSC" represents a virtual training camp centered on data science that can be accessed through participation in webinars, to enhance learning levels, and keep up-to-date with the latest developments in institutional business intelligence and data science.
The training program adopts a unique model that combines courses, workshops, and competitions which enables participants to acquire the skills and experience required to keep pace with the rapid technological advancements in data science and artificial intelligence. The participants of the program receive experience in the tracks they successfully complete, which include data engineering, business analysis, statistics and advanced modeling, machine learning skills, reporting and programming basics, and data processing and analysis. The program engages them with interactive experiences to enable the participent to acquire advanced skills in the use of tables and coding tools, taking advantage of advanced technology tools and solutions.
It is noteworthy that His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, directed the adoption of October 29 of each year, as a day of programming bearing the slogan "UAE Codes", to upgrade the capabilities of talents and pioneering minds and qualify them in the fields of programming and the use of modern technology. Dedicating a day for programming reflects the UAE government’s efforts to enhance the process of development and comprehensive digital transformation, and supports the efforts of the National Program for Coders to help talented people master and excel in the programming field, and motivate them to be ready to deal with the requirements of the future with high efficiency.
Dubai, Oct. 9 — The National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals (NSGs), in partnership with the Bostirti Institute and the Global Council on Sustainable Development Goal 13, has launched the first-of-its-kind Studio 2030 podcast that provides content on sustainability in Arabic, aimed at members of the community.
The podcast aims to provide rich content on sustainability, to keep pace with the more severe impacts of climate change, environmental, social and economic challenges in the Middle East and North Africa, and seeks to raise community awareness of the climate and sustainability challenges associated with the global sustainable development goals, by introducing them in a simplified manner, which contributes to enhancing community participation in building the future.
Studio 2030 podcast will be presented by Ibrahim Al-Zoubi, President of the Global Council for Sustainable Development Goals No. 13 (Climate Change Action), and the podcast will be broadcast across various platforms such as YouTube, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Podio, Spotify, and Anghami Podcast.
H.E. Abdullah Nasser Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Knowledge Exchange, said The Chairman of the National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals said that active community participation in supporting governments’ efforts to achieve the global sustainable development goals is a key factor to accelerate the achievement of sustainability goals, and to consolidate their culture and practices as an approach to community life, pointing out that the podcast "Studio 2030" will work to enhance and build community awareness, and provide members of Arabic-speaking communities with a new perspective focused on achieving sustainability, and continuous work to address the major global challenges that we will witness in the future.
He said that the initiative of the National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals to launch this platform distinguished in its content and the way it presents global sustainability challenges, comes as part of the government’s efforts to support the country’s initiatives, enhance its leading global role in shaping the future, and participate in leading the global pace seeking to achieve the global sustainable development goals.
Ibrahim Al Zoubi, President of the Global Council for Sustainable Development Goals on SDG 13 (Climate Change Action), said: "Studio 2030 podcast will present the latest developments and solutions related to the SDGs and their impact. to the world and the Middle East and Africa region in particular, and will reveal the most prominent solutions and aspects of cooperation between all segments of society to achieve these goals." "I am honored to host the most prominent minds and guests who will enrich the discussion and share their practical experiences."
Through its platform, Studio 2030 podcast brings together experts, innovators and thinkers to talk about the Sustainable Development Goals, and in each episode, its followers will discover new ideas, challenges and innovative solutions to build a more sustainable and inclusive future, in addition to the latest trends in sustainable development and its links to daily life.
The podcast series will address key global and regional trends, showcase their potential impact on the MENA region and emerging markets, and provide actionable guidance, while Studio 2030 will introduce the community to how to implement the SDGs locally, ongoing initiatives, innovative solutions and emerging technologies that allow countries to overcome challenges. The
UAE’s National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals was formed in January 2017 and chaired by H.E. Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemi, Minister of State for International Cooperation, The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center is the secretariat of the committee, which includes the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and 13 federal government entities. The Committee aligns the SDGs with national priorities, supports the implementation of the SDGs, and collaborates with local and international partners to expand the circle of active participants in the implementation of the United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals 2030.
ABU DHABI, 27th September, 2023
Their collaboration also aims to improve the country’s stature in quality of life and competitiveness indexes related to women in international reports.
Noura Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the GWU, and Hanan Ahli, Director of the FCSC, signed the MoU.
Al Suwaidi stressed that the optimal utilisation of data and technology could help provide accurate information for decision-makers in a timely manner, allowing them to adopt a forward-looking vision.
She also highlighted the importance of strengthening partnerships with relevant national entities, which will allow the GWU to implement the directives of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the “Mother of the Nation", Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), and translate them into effective initiatives and strategies that outline a sustainable future for women and strengthen the role of Emirati women in all aspects of life.
Ahli highlighted the importance of leveraging information and statistics to improve decision-making and draft policies that affect women’s empowerment.
The MoU will enable the drafting of innovative strategies and initiatives that strengthen the role of Emirati women, highlight the UAE’s related efforts, and improve the country’s performance in international competitiveness indexes, she added.
The National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals, in partnership with Emirates Transport, launched the "Road to Sustainability" campaign, which is organized as part of the UAE government’s efforts and projects in the Year of Sustainability, and within the framework of initiatives to enhance community awareness of the global sustainable development goals, and the importance of achieving them to ensure a better future for societies. A large number of government agencies and companies are participating in the campaign at the national level, and will continue until the end of 2024, and aims to spread awareness at the national level of the global goals for sustainable development.
H.E. Abdullah Lootah, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Knowledge Exchange, Deputy Chairman of the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, stressed that the campaign embodies the UAE government’s approach to motivating community members to adopt a sustainable lifestyle that contributes to building a better world for future generations.
Alex Rentier, CEO of Emirates Transport, expressed the company’s blessing for this purposeful national campaign.
The campaign was launched at the Head Office Building of the Emirates Transport in Dubai, in the presence of H.E. Abdullah Lootah and Shatha Al Hashimi, an advisor in the Government Experience Exchange Office. The event included a presentation that discussed the history of transportation in the UAE since its inception and gave a brief overview of its services. Following that, the "oad to Sustainability" started from its first station at the company’s headquarters, commencing its extended agenda until the end of the next year. The campaign utilizes an electric bus provided by the company to facilitate the team’s travels to various stations, destinations, and entities across different regions of the country.
Khaled Shukr, the Director of Quality, Environment, Safety, and Occupational Health Department at Emirates Transport, explained that the electric bus has a capacity for 41 passengers in addition to the driver. It operates on a 315-kilowatt-hour battery that can be fast-charged in one hour and forty minutes (with a 180-kilowatt charger), allowing it to travel approximately 300 kilometers on a single charge.
H.E. Abdulla Lootah is the Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Knowledge Exchange, delivered a lecture at the New York University (NYU) in the United States.
During the lecture, His Excellency called for the strengthening of academic and research partnerships to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
The lecture was attended by NYU graduate students from the School of Professional Studies, the Global Affairs and Global Security Program, and Conflict and Cybercrime Program, and the Division in Programs in Business and Global Sport.
His Excellency discussed the importance of the role of academic institutions and universities in promoting international cooperation and partnership, knowledge exchange, capacity building, and excellence in the research and development efforts. He reiterated that doing so will also contribute to SDG 17 – which calls for plans to revitalize global partnerships for sustainable development.
Attended by Angie Kamath, Dean of the NYU School of Professional Studies, along with NYU’s administrative, academic, and research members, the lecture highlighted the UAE’s multi-faceted competitiveness, positioning it as a worldwide focal point for visionaries, researchers, and accomplished professionals who have chosen the UAE as their home and workplace.
UAE – 06 November 2025: The UAE Government has launched the Unified UAE Numbers, the comprehensive national platform dedicated to AI-powered data and statistics aimed at providing accurate, real-time and trusted data to support decision making and drive the UAE’s readiness for future shifts. The launch took place at the UAE Government Annual Meetings 2025.
The Unified UAE Numbers platform is being developed in partnership between the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center (FCSC) and the Ministry of Foreign Trade, and in coordination with relevant federal and local entities. The platform will be hosted on the UAE Government Federal Network (FedNet) to ensure maximum security.
The platform is an outcome of the Economic Data Retreat, where extensive discussions focused on strengthening the national statistics system, its governance, and data exchange between entities. It will create a unified, smart national ecosystem that enhances the quality and reliability of national data, driving the UAE’s transformation toward smart statistics.
His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade said: “This day marks our transition from a phase of compiling data to one of managing knowledge. From traditional statistics to smart statistics. This strategic transformation is embodied by the Unified UAE Numbers platform, which opens new horizons for decision makers to harness the power of data to drive development, national economy’s competitiveness and the UAE’s global status.”
His Excellency Al Zeyoudi added: “This platform shows how the UAE’s statistics ecosystem has matured to become capable of providing accurate, trusted and real-time data to help read economic trends and guide policies and investments. Ultimately it will strengthen the UAE’s ability to respond to global shifts and shape the future of vital sectors.”
Her Excellency Maryam bint Ahmed Al Hammadi, Minister of State, General Secretary of the UAE Cabinet and General Supervisor of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC), said: “The launch of the Unified UAE Numbers platform embodies our leadership’s vision for a future government driven by data and AI. This platform represents a major step in the government’s digital transformation, fostering a unified approach and empowering entities to make swift, precise decisions backed by trusted, real-time data.”
Her Excellency Al Hammadi added: “By establishing a smart national statistics infrastructure, we are building a foundation to inform public policy, bolster the UAE’s competitiveness, and accelerate economic growth across all sectors.”
Her Excellency pointed out that the platform is an outcome of the Economic Data Retreat, which brought together 28 national entities in the first phase to establish 380 economic indicators and lay out a unified framework for GDP data, as well as balance of payment and investment.
She highlighted the essential role of data in formulating policy, setting priorities, measuring impact, and monitoring performance, noting that ultimately, this platform ensures that governance is data-driven, thereby strengthening the UAE’s readiness for AI adoption, achieving seamless integration of national databases, and creating an agile regulatory environment that champions both innovation and sustainability.
AED 929 billion: Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the national economy
The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC) announced that the UAE’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 4.2 in the first half of 2025, reaching AED 929 billion, compared to the same period in 2024. Meanwhile, the non-oil GDP recorded a growth of 5.7%, amounting to AED 720 billion during the same period. Non-oil activities accounted for 77.5% of the UAE’s real GDP, while oil activities contributed 22.5% in the first half of 2025.
H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, affirmed that, under the guidance of the UAE’s wise leadership, the country has adopted a proactive approach that keeps pace with economic developments and trends locally, regionally, and globally. This approach is reflected in the development of competitive economic strategies and legislations, enhancing global economic openness, and creating a business-friendly environment that encourages private sector participation in the growth of non-oil sectors. It also includes the localisation of technology and digital transformation across vital and advanced economic sectors, contributing to positioning the UAE as a pioneering model in economic diversification and supporting its future vision to become a global hub for the new economy by the next decade.
He added: “The positive results achieved by the national economy during the first half of 2025, particularly the 5.7% growth in non-oil GDP, reflects the strength and competitiveness of the UAE’s economic performance and the efficiency of the economic policies implemented by the government. It also underscores the continued progress in reducing dependence on oil, promoting national non-oil industries, and advancing the economic objectives of the We the UAE 2031 vision.”For her part, H.E. Hanan Mansour Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, affirmed that the strong performance of the UAE’s GDP during the first half of 2025, reaching AED 929billion, reflects the resilience of the national economy and the continued growth momentum driven by non-oil activities such as trade, manufacturing, and construction. She stated: “The rise in the contribution of non-oil sectors to 77.5% confirms the success of the country’s economic diversification policies and its ability to create a flexible and sustainable productive environment based on knowledge and innovation, in line with the UAE’s vision of developing the economy of the future.”
Fastest-Growing Economic Activities
The financial and insurance activities recorded the highest growth among all economic sectorsduring the first half of this year compared to the same period last year, recording an 8.3% increase. This was followed by the construction sector, which grew by 7.9%, the manufacturing sector by 7.0%, and real estate activities by 6.5%.
In terms of contribution to non-oil GDP during the first half of 2025, the trade sector ranked first, accounting for 16.1%, followed by financial and insurance activities at 14.0%, and manufacturing at 13.8%. The construction sector contributed 11.8%, while real estate activities accounted for 7.8%.It is worth noting that the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries recorded growth during the first half of 2025, with the UAE achieving the highest growth rates, supported by the strong performance of its non-oil sectors. This reflects the impact of strategic initiatives and policies aimed at enhancing economic diversification in the UAE and contributes to supporting the collective GCC economic trajectory, promoting balanced progress that strengthens economic stability in the region.
The insurance sector in the UAE continued its positive performance in 2024, recording a 22% growth in total underwritten insurance premiums, reaching AED 65.1 billion, compared to AED 53.4 billion in 2023, according to data from the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC) and the Central Bank of the UAE. Data on the country’s insurance sector indicators for 2024 also showed a notable increase in property and liability insurance premiums, which grew by 26.6% to AED 26.3 billion, compared to AED 20.8 billion in 2023. Health insurance premiums rose by 21% to AED 31.3 billion, compared to AED 25.9 billion in 2023, while personal insurance and wealth creation premiums increased by 12% to AED 7.5 billion, up from AED 6.7 billion in 2023.
Total Number of Insurance Policies
According to 2024 statistics, the total number of insurance policies rose to 17.2 million, compared to 15.6 million in 2023, marking a 10% growth. The highest growth rate was recorded in health insurance policies, which saw a record jump of 60%, increasing to 2.2 million policies from 1.4 million in 2023. Meanwhile, the total number of property and liability insurance policies reached 14.6 million, compared to 13.9 million in 2023, registering a 5% growth. The total number of personal insurance and wealth creation policies stood at 305,900, a slight increase from 302,500 in 2023, reflecting a 1% growth.
Technical Provisions
Total technical provisions that insurance companies are required to maintain to meet their financial obligations across all insurance branches rose by 20.9%, reaching AED 92.2 billion in 2024, compared to AED 76.3 billion in 2023. This increase was driven by a 44.9% rise in property and liability insurance provisions, reaching AED 37.6 billion, a 24.1% increase in health insurance provisions to AED 17.0 billion, and a 2.8% rise in personal insurance and wealth creation provisions to AED 37.7 billion in 2024.
Claims Paid
Regarding claims paid, which represent the total amounts disbursed by insurance companies in the UAE to policyholders and beneficiaries during the year for settling insurance claims, statistics indicated a 32% increase in total claims across all insurance branches for both domestic and foreign companies in 2024, reaching AED 41.6 billion. This total comprised AED 28.9 billion paid by national companies and AED 12.7 billion by foreign companies, compared to AED 31.6 billion in 2023, which included AED 21.8 billion paid by national companies and AED 9.8 billion by foreign companies.
This increase was attributed to an 83% rise in claims paid for property and liability insurance, particularly in fire and motor insurance, a 14% increase in health insurance claims paid, and a 26% rise in claims paid for personal insurance and wealth creation policies.
As for incurred claims, which include the total value of claims paid as well as other costs borne by insurance companies during the year, statistics indicate a 45% increase across all insurance branches for both national and foreign companies in 2024, reaching AED 53.3 billion. This total comprised AED 39.1 billion for national companies and AED 14.2 billion for foreign companies, compared to AED 36.6 billion in 2023, which included AED 25.1 billion for national companies and AED 11.5 billion for foreign companies.Invested Assets
Statistics showed an increase in total invested assets in the UAE insurance sector for both national and foreign companies in 2024, representing the total assets held by insurance companies for investment purposes. The total rose by 10% to AED 84.9 billion, comprising AED 48.6 billion for national companies and AED 36.3 billion for foreign companies, compared to AED 77.1 billion in 2023, which included AED 42.1 billion for national companies and AED 35.0 billion for foreign companies. Investments in securities and debt bonds accounted for the largest share of total invested assets at AED 36.3 billion, followed by cash and deposits at AED 25.0 billion. The remaining value was distributed across other categories of invested assets, including real estate investments, loans, and other assets.
The number of air quality monitoring stations operating across the UAE reached 57 in 2024, marking a 46% increase over the past decade, compared to 55 stations in 2023, according to the latest data issued by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and the National Center of Meteorology (NCM).
Of the total stations, 32 stations (56%) are located within populated areas, ensuring continuous monitoring of air quality in residential communities across the country.
Data from all monitoring stations indicate that the average concentrations of key air pollutants, including carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and sulfur dioxide (SO₂) remained low compared to previous years and within the limits set by the UAE National Air Quality Standards.
Air quality remains a national priority for the UAE, given its direct impact on public health and quality of life. The UAE Government has embedded air quality as a key performance indicator (KPI) under the “We the UAE 2031” Vision and the UAE Centennial 2071 Strategy, both of which aim to promote social wellbeing and a sustainable economy. In addition, air quality is one of the eight core policy priorities within the National Environmental Agenda led by MOCCAE.
According to FCSC data on the geographic distribution of monitoring stations in 2024, Abu Dhabi recorded the highest number with 21 stations (37%), followed by Dubai with 14 stations (25%), Ajman with 7 stations (12%), Fujairah with 6 stations (11%), Ras Al Khaimah with 4 stations (7%), Sharjah with 3 stations (5%), and Umm Al Quwain with 2 stations (3%).
In terms of functional distribution, residential areas account for 56% of all stations to ensure comprehensive coverage of inhabited regions, followed by roadside locations at 23%, industrial and commercial areas at 14%, while the remaining stations are distributed across other locations in the UAE.
Air quality monitoring stations play a vital role in detecting substances released into the atmosphere, directly or indirectly which may alter air composition in ways harmful to human health, living organisms, natural resources, or populated areas. The stations provide accurate daily, monthly, and annual measurements of major air pollutants, including sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ground-level ozone, and inhalable particulate matter.
The National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in cooperation with the Government Experience Exchange Office at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and in collaboration with the Sustainable Development Goals Academy, has launched the “2030 SDGs Leaders Program”, aimed at empowering national, regional and global government leaders with modern tools, expertise and skills in leading efforts to achieve the SDGs.
The program seeks to enable participating leaders to integrate sustainable development principles into government strategies by developing future leadership skills, strengthening strategic thinking, and building capacities in international cooperation and partnerships for sustainable development. This will enhance integration among government entities and contribute to improving institutional performance.
Implemented under the supervision of experts from the UAE Government, the program includes knowledge visits to leading government entities, workshops and interviews with 17 Emirati experts. It brings together 32 government leaders from 14 countries, including 13 international participants and 19 participants from the UAE, representing senior leadership levels such as ministers, directors-general and undersecretaries. Among them are a minister from the Republic of Maldives, an assistant minister from the Republic of Serbia, and an assistant undersecretary from the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Abdulla Lootah: Strengthening the UAE’s position as a Global Hub for Experience in Sustainable Development
His Excellency Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Experience Exchange and Chairman of the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, affirmed that the launch of the “2030 SDGs Leaders Program” comes as part of the UAE’s efforts to support the achievement of the SDGs nationally and globally, thereby strengthening its position as a global hub for experience exchange in the field of sustainable development and in support of the 2030 Global Agenda.
Lootah stated that the program represents a practical platform for developing national and global competencies concerned with the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, through interactive sessions and applied workshops that enhance thinking in the design and implementation of sustainable initiatives and projects; and support the building of impactful partnerships between government and international sectors in the fields of development, environment and society.
Jeffrey Sachs: Supporting government leaders to address major challenges
For his part, Jeffrey Sachs, President of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), said: “The SDGs Leaders Program helps support government leaders in addressing the major challenges of our time. Achieving sustainable development requires leaders who think systemically, plan effectively, and build trust across borders and sectors. This program in the UAE strengthens these capacities and builds a generation of leaders who will achieve SDGs and work towards a more peaceful and prosperous world. The SDG Academy of the United Nations SDSN is honored to support the UAE Government Experience Exchange Office and the UAE National Committee on SDGs in this distinguished program.”
Sustainable development and future leadership
In its first track, the program featured intensive dialogue and interactive sessions over five days, addressing key pillars of sustainable development and future leadership. The first and second days focused on leading transformation and governance for systemic change through presentations, case studies and thinking labs aimed at developing leadership capacities, strengthening institutional integration and expanding the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Agenda.
The sessions also focused on innovation, financing and strategic partnerships, and on anticipating the future of development through digital transformation and the 2045 XDGs Agenda. Leaders participated in workshops, field visits and dialogues to develop national directions and transform visions into practical steps that support the continuity of collective action towards a more sustainable future. The program included specialized sessions, workshops and policy acceleration labs, as well as visits to the Museum of the Future; the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park; and the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation (MBRCGI), to explore innovative models in governance, sustainable energy and digital transformation.
National and global participation
Participants from the UAE included government leaders from: the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment; Ministry of Health and Prevention; Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ministry of Education; Ministry of Interior; Ministry of Community Empowerment; UAE Gender Balance Council; Supreme Council for Motherhood & Childhood; Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi; Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) ; Department of Municipalities and Transport in Abu Dhabi; Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi; Dubai Civil Aviation Authority; Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA); the Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai (RTA); and Dubai Municipality.
International participants represented: Republic of Seychelles; Republic of Maldives; Republic of Uzbekistan; Republic of Azerbaijan; Kingdom of Bahrain; Republic of Georgia; Romania; Montenegro; Republic of Rwanda; Hungary; Republic of Kazakhstan; Republic of Kenya; and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
The SDG Academy, the program’s academic partner, supports the design of content and provides specialized educational resources. As an educational initiative of the UNSDSN, it brings together global experts in poverty reduction, climate action, gender equality and policy innovation.
Government Experience Exchange
The UAE government launched the Government Experience Exchange Programme to transfer best government practices and expertise to countries and to enhance cooperation in government modernization and development. Since its launch in 2018, the programme has successfully established partnerships with dozens of countries worldwide, aimed at building institutional capacities and improving government performance through experience exchange in strategic planning, government excellence and leadership in government services, in addition to implementing strategic initiatives and building institutional capacities.
The National Committee
The National Committee on SDGs undertakes key tasks including coordinating with relevant entities to align and review policies, strategies and national targets with the SDGS; building and strengthening national capacities to achieve the SDGs and address challenges through local and international partnerships; preparing national reports on the country’s results and efforts to achieve the SDGs; and coordinating with entities to prepare and publish SDG-related data at the national level.
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