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DATA FOR A BETTER FUTURE
- 35% reduction in the UAE’s consumption of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) over the past decade.
- The reduction reflects the UAE’s commitment to the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol on ozone-depleting substances.
- The UAE is among the first countries to fulfill its commitment to fully ban consumption of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons since 2010.
The United Arab Emirates has successfully outpaced the internationally set timeline for the gradual phasing out of ozone-depleting substances, reaffirming its leading role in environmental action at both the national and global levels. The UAE has successfully banned the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons since 2010 and has achieved a 35% reduction in hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) consumption over the past ten years.
Latest figures from the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC) highlight that the consistent progress in curbing the use of substances that harm the ozone layer reflects the UAE’s commitment to their gradual phase-out. These substances cause harm to the ozone layer, and their reductions demonstrate the UAE’s steadfast commitment to the global framework of agreements and protocols aimed at eliminating such substances within set timelines, with a complete phase-out scheduled for 2040.
The UAE has been a pioneer in supporting global efforts to protect the ozone layer, having joined the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol in 1989, including all its amendments, such as the Kigali Amendment of 2016, which aims to reduce the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), substances that do not deplete the ozone layer but contribute to global warming.
In line with these commitments, the UAE has progressively eliminated ozone-depleting chemicals, including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons such as Halon 1211, and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), while initiating reductions in the use of HFCs in accordance with the Kigali Amendment.
The UAE has further enacted clear legislation regulating the trade and use of hazardous chemicals, including precise requirements for storage, transport, and safe handling, to ensure the protection of the environment and public health.
The UAE continuously collaborates with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), regularly submitting progress reports on fulfilling its international commitments, and actively participating in the global Montreal Protocol meetings, reflecting its steadfast commitment to joint global environmental action.
Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)
According to the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC), baseline consumption of HCFCs under the Montreal Protocol is calculated based on the average annual production or use during a defined reference period. UAE data shows that in 2015, consumption reached 473.90 tons measured in ozone-depleting potential (ODP) terms; already below the internationally required 10% reduction from the baseline of 557.1 tons. By 2020, UAE consumption had dropped to 353.59 tons, representing a 35% decrease.
From 2021 to 2024, the UAE continued to reduce HCFCs consumption, reflecting its ongoing efforts to meet international requirements within the set global timeframe and achieve the 2025 target of 67.5% reduction, ultimately leading to the full phase-out by 2040.
The UAE has achieved a new milestone by entering the list of the world’s top 10 countries for the first time in the World Talent Ranking (WTR) 2025, issued by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Lausanne. Among 69 global economies assessed, the UAE ranked ninth worldwide advancing eight places compared to its position last year.
In the latest edition of the report, the UAE outperformed several advanced nations in talent competitiveness, including Austria, Canada, Finland, Germany, and Norway. This leap reflects the UAE’s pioneering position in implementing ambitious development policies, the effectiveness of its national strategies for attracting global talent and expertise, the advanced infrastructure’s readiness to support business and innovation, and its strong international appeal that has made the country a preferred destination for living, working, and investing.
According to the report, the UAE achieved a score of 77.86, securing the first place globally in five competitiveness criteria and ranking among the top 10 worldwide in 15 criteria across the main factors. The country is placed first regionally and globally in the “Readiness” factor, which measures the availability of skills and competencies in the labor market. It also ranked 12th worldwide in the “Appeal” factor, which reflects the ability to attract global talent, and moving up six places from its 2024 ranking in the “Investment and Development” factor, which measures national talent development.
UAE Leads in Global Talent Criteria
The UAE recorded exceptional progress in the 2025 report, achieving remarkable results in several sub-criteria that positioned it among the most competitive nations worldwide. The country ranked first globally in criteria such as collected personal income tax, labor force growth, international expertise, competent senior managers and student mobility inbound.
It also ranked second globally in foreign highly skilled personnel and finance skills; third globally in pupil-teacher ratio in secondary education, health infrastructure, availability of skilled labor, and graduates in sciences; fifth globally in primary and secondary education; sixth globally in apprenticeships; and eighth globally in brain drain and quality of life. These achievements underscore the UAE’s position as a global hub for talent, innovation, and competitiveness.
The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC) stated that this achievement reflects the forward-looking vision of the UAE leadership and its commitment to building a competitive knowledge-based economy that keeps pace with global transformations. It enables both national and international talent to contribute to sustainable growth, while affirming the UAE’s readiness to meet the evolving needs of the labor market through a competitive environment capable of attracting and retaining the world’s best talent.
The FCSC further emphasized that the UAE’s entry into the world’s top 10 in the WTR for the first time highlights the resilience of its national economy, its ability to adapt to global changes, and its focus on investing in human capital. It stressed that developing national talent, attracting global expertise, and building advanced human resource systems are fundamental pillars for strengthening the country’s global competitiveness and leadership.
This milestone demonstrates the UAE’s steady progress in consolidating its status as a leading global destination for talent and expertise, guided by visionary leadership and ambitious policies aimed at building a diversified, resilient economy capable of competing on the world stage and contributing to a more sustainable and advanced global future.
The World Talent Ranking is published annually by IMD to measure countries’ ability to develop, attract, nurture, and retain talent, based on 31 criteria:17 drawn from executive opinion surveys and 14 derived from statistical data covering more than 6,000 senior executives worldwide.
The United Arab Emirates has achieved a historic milestone, with non-oil activities contributing 77.3% to the real GDP in Q1 2025. According to preliminary estimates released by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC), the UAE’s real GDP grew by 3.9%, year-on-year to reach AED 455 billion, while non-oil GDP surged by 5.3% to AED 352 billion, marking the highest level ever recorded in the history of the UAE. On the other hand, oil-related activities contributed 22.7% during the same period.
H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, stated that the initial figures released by FCSC reflect the robustness, resilience, and exceptional growth trajectory of the UAE’s economy, its ability to sustain extraordinary growth, and the success of the country’s holistic development model. H.E. emphasized that these results reflect investors’ confidence and the global recognition of the UAE’s business and investment ecosystem, which has become a global benchmark for advanced economic policies and pro-growth legislative frameworks.
“Guided by the vision of our wise leadership, the contribution of non-oil activities to real GDP has reached an all-time high of 77.3%; a key milestone in the history of the UAE. This reflects the momentum gained by the UAE’s economic diversification and demonstrates the effectiveness of national strategies to build a knowledge- and innovation-driven economy, fully aligned with the objectives of the “We the UAE 2031” vision, which aims to raise the UAE’s GDP to AED 3 trillion by the next decade,” H.E. added.
Meanwhile, H.E. Hanan Mansour Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, emphasised that these results showcase the efficiency of the UAE’s economic model and the government’s success in implementing the leadership directives to drive sustainable sectoral development. “Our relentless efforts towards economic diversification continue to drive the expansion and resilience of the national economy,” H.E. noted. “Non-oil GDP growth exceeding 5% showcases our commitment to building an advanced, technology- and innovation-enabled economy that empowers businesses and entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into thriving ventures, adding momentum to the UAE’s dynamic economic landscape,” she added.
Leading other sectors in growth during Q1 2025, the manufacturing sector has expanded by 7.7% compared to the same period in 2024. It is followed by finance, insurance, and construction at 7.0% growth each, while real estate activities rose by 6.6% and trade by 3.0%.
In terms of contribution to the UAE’s GDP, the trade sector topped the list with 15.6% of non-oil GDP, followed by finance & insurance at 14.6%, manufacturing at 13.4%, construction at 12.0%, and real estate at 7.4%.
Statistics from the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC) revealed exceptional growth in the UAE’s aviation sector, with the total number of passengers passing through the country’s airports exceeding one billion between 2015 and 2024. Aircraft movements, arrivals and departures combined, exceeded 6.4 million during the same period.
According to FCSC’s latest report, the UAE ranked first globally in Air Transport Quality Index and placed among the world’s top ten in five additional indicators. These achievements reflect the forward-looking vision and directives of the leadership in strengthening this vital sector, enhancing its competitiveness regionally and globally, and consolidating its role as a cornerstone of national economic growth and sustainability.
H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), stated: “The outstanding results achieved by the UAE’s civil aviation sector over the past decade affirm the success of the policies, strategies, and national initiatives adopted under the wise directives of our leadership. These results not only anticipate the future but actively shape it and deliver its achievements. They reinforce the UAE’s global standing on the aviation and travel map, highlight the sector’s effective contribution to economic growth and competitiveness, and demonstrate the nation’s pioneering role in establishing an advanced, efficient, and sustainable aviation ecosystem that integrates technological innovation with the highest standards of safety and service quality.”
He added: “Our national efforts continue to focus on developing aviation infrastructure, pioneering projects, and related activities, while strengthening cooperation with partners and relevant entities at local and international levels. The aim is to provide exceptional travel experiences that enhance the UAE’s appeal to passengers and air cargo from around the world, diversify aviation services and products, build national human capital, and encourage the entry of Emirati talent into the sector alongside increased investment. These efforts align with the 10th Principle of the UAE Charter of Economic Principles, which seeks to establish the country as the world’s leading logistics hub and a central axis for global aviation, transportation, and human mobility.”
Advanced Level of Growth
For her part, H.E. Hanan Mansour Ahli Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre affirmed that the results achieved by the UAE’s aviation sector over the past decade reflect the advanced level of the industry and its associated sectors. They embody the leadership’s vision of transforming the country into a global hub and a vital link between continents.
She noted that UAE airports welcomed more than one billion passengers over the past 10 years and recorded over 6.4 million aircraft movements. The UAE’s high rankings across various global aviation competitiveness indicators are the culmination of decades of dedicated effort and continuous monitoring of this vital sector’s growth.
Global Leadership
The aviation sector’s achievements have strengthened the UAE’s competitiveness, earning it global and regional leadership across indicators measuring air transport efficiency and quality. The UAE ranked first worldwide in the Air Transport Quality Index according to the 2025 World Competitiveness Yearbook by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD). It also ranked third globally in both the Efficiency of Air Transport Services and Infrastructure Index and Available Seat Kilometers per week, according to the 2024 Travel & Tourism Development Index by the World Economic Forum. In the same report, the UAE ranked eighth in the number of operating airlines and tenth in the number of air service agreements.
Record-Breaking Growth
Data from the FCSC showed that passenger traffic through UAE airports rose from 114.8 million in 2015 to 147.8 million in 2024, a growth rate of 28.7%. The cumulative total over the ten-year period exceeded one billion passengers (arrivals, departures, and transit). Aircraft movements increased to more than 800,000 in 2024, with the ten-year total exceeding 6.4 million.
Passenger numbers climbed from 114.8 million in 2015 to 124.3 million in 2016 marking a 8.2% growth, and then to 126.5 million in 2017 with a 1.8% growth. In 2018, they surpassed 129 million reaching a 2% growth, before slightly declining to 127.9 million in 2019 amid a global slowdown in travel. Numbers fell sharply in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with traffic dropping to 38.3 million passengers, reaching a 70% decline, the steepest in the history of global aviation.
Recovery and Expansion
The sector began to recover in 2021, with passenger numbers rising to 45.9 million (19.6% growth). In 2022, growth surged by 120%, surpassing 101 million passengers. The upward trend continued in 2023, when traffic rose 31.2% to 132.5 million passengers, exceeding pre-pandemic levels and making the UAE one of the fastest-recovering aviation markets worldwide. In 2024, passenger numbers reached 147.8 million, up 11.5% from 2023 marking a new all-time record.
Passenger Traffic by Emirate
Statistics showed that Dubai International Airport handled the majority of passengers over the past decade, with 782.2 million travelers. Abu Dhabi’s airports followed with 200.5 million, Sharjah International Airport with 101.5 million, Ras Al Khaimah Airport with over 4 million, Fujairah Airport with 118,100, and other local airports with 46,600 passengers.
Aircraft Movements
The UAE’s aviation growth also extended to aircraft traffic, with total arrivals and departures reaching 6.4 million between 2015 and 2024. This underscores the pivotal role of UAE airports as global gateways capable of accommodating ever-growing demand.
Aircraft movements increased from 739,800 in 2015 to 754,600 in 2016 reaching a 2% growth. During the pandemic, movements dropped to 331,500 in 2020 before rebounding to 428,100 in 2021 and 614,300 in 2022. In 2023, movements reached 725,600, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, and rose further to over 800,000 in 2024; an unprecedented figure in the UAE’s aviation history, representing 10.4% growth year-on-year.
HE Abdullah Nasser Lootah:
- The UAE views youth not just as beneficiaries of development, but as essential partners in shaping and leading efforts towards a sustainable future.
- The nation is committed to building a more inclusive and sustainable world by 2045, guided by proactive, forward-thinking strategies.
Voices for 2045: Youth Shaping the Future session aimed to:
- Engage young participants of the 2025 High-Level Political Forum in envisioning the world beyond 2030;
- Gather youth aspirations and ideas for the 2045 XDGs Vision, a new global approach to comprehensive and sustainable development;
- Encourage youth change-makers to reflect, connect, and draw inspiration from innovative ideas for a more sustainable and inclusive future.
August 04, 2025 — As part of the UAE delegation’s participation in the United Nations Sustainable Development Forum 2025, organized by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the General Secretariat of the National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) hosted a dedicated youth session titled Voices for 2045: Youth Shaping the Future. Held at the Permanent Mission of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations, the session brought together youth leaders and global change-makers, including members of the UN General Assembly’s Major Group for Children and Youth.
The session engaged young participants in envisioning the world beyond 2030 and empowered them to shape the future of sustainable development. It fostered dialogue on youth aspirations and ideas for the Extended Sustainable Development Goals (XDGs 2045), a global vision for inclusive growth introduced by the Secretariate of the National Committee on SDGs at the 2023 World Governments Summit. The platform enabled youth change-makers to share experiences, connect with peers, and exchange ideas for a more inclusive and resilient future.
Youth Empowerment
His Excellency Abdullah Nasser Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Experience Exchange and Chair of the National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals, stated: “The UAE firmly believes that youth are not merely beneficiaries of development pathways but essential partners in shaping and leading them towards the future
He emphasized that the session reflects this philosophy by giving youth a transparent and effective platform to express their visions and challenges. HE Lootah added, “Shaping the vision of the post-2030 sustainable development agenda requires open dialogue, collective participation, and bold ideas that keep pace with global changes. It is not enough to listen to youth as inspirational voices; their visions must be treated as essential inputs in policy-making and prioritization.”
Three Main Themes
40 participants from the UN Major Group for Children and Youth contributed diverse perspectives on the ambitious XDGs 2045 vision. Discussions focused on three core themes – empathy, passion, and action – underscoring the role of youth in building a better future.
Participants responded to three key questions via an online survey, offering insights on their motivations, desired transformative changes, challenges faced, and proposed solutions to enhance youth contributions to sustainable development. Their responses underscored key priorities including empowering youth and ensuring their active involvement in policy and strategy development; strengthening international cooperation and promoting innovation; guaranteeing universal access to quality education and healthcare; and safeguarding the environment and natural resources for future generations.
The session Voices for 2045: Youth Shaping the Future reflects the UAE’s commitment to supporting global efforts to achieve the SDGs and to enhancing the role of youth as key partners in the development of a more inclusive and sustainable world by 2045.
The United Nations High-Level Political Forum
The United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) is the UN’s main platform for sustainable development matters. Since its establishment in 2012, it has played a central role in tracking and reviewing countries’ progress toward implementing the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
Delegations participating in the Forum conduct assessments of achievements made so far toward the SDGs, with in-depth reviews of five key goals: SDG 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages; SDG 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls; SDG 8: Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all; SDG 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources; and SDG 17: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.
The Government Experience Exchange Programme (GEEP), under the UAE Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, launched a Global Ideation Lab in collaboration with New York University (NYU). The Ideation Lab was held alongside the UAE delegation’s participation at the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development 2025, organized by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs at the UN Headquarters in New York City. It brought together leading experts, academics, UN officials, diplomats, policymakers, and university students to explore new prospects in government sector innovation and global cooperation.
The session drew participation from 26 ministers, experts, academics, and UN officials, including Annemarie Hou, Executive Director of the UN Office of Partnerships, and Patrick Paul Walsh, Vice President of Education and Director of the SDG Academy at the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN). Attendees also included sustainability officials and diplomats from countries such as Switzerland, Portugal, Ireland, Serbia, Paraguay, Bahrain, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Kingdom of Eswatini, and others. Members of the UAE delegation to the HLPF, officials from NYU’s administrative and academic bodies, and 30 students from NYU, Stanford, and the University of Pennsylvania also participated.
Global Ideas Sandbox
The Ideation Lab helps build a global ideas sandbox and provides a creative open space. It highlighted the developmental role of comprehensive initiatives supporting global partnerships, particularly the UAE’s GEEP, which serves as an incubator for scalable cross-border partnerships and an effective knowledge sharing platform.
UAE Commitment to Expanding Partnerships
His Excellency Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Experience Exchange and Chair of the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, stated that the UAE’s knowledge-sharing approach is comprehensive, leveraging contributions across sectors locally and globally. This approach provides an environment for creating innovative ideas and impactful development solutions.
“In the UAE, we have successfully built a pioneering model for international cooperation based on knowledge exchange with countries and governments, and GEEP is a crucial part of this endeavor,” Lootah said. “We are committed to involving various sectors, particularly academia, and cooperating with everyone in developing solutions to urgent global challenges, including developmental challenges, and expanding frameworks for sharing, transferring, and exchanging best government practices to help achieve sustainable development.”
He added: “The joint Global Ideation Lab between GEEP and NYU exemplifies the collaborative approach we adopt in the UAE to develop best practices that enhance readiness for present and future opportunities.”
Challenge and Solution Model
The Global Ideation Lab adopted a collaborative approach between GEEP and NYU, centered on posing challenges, linking academic insights with practical governance, and involving various stakeholders in designing partnership-based and scalable solutions.
The session outcomes contributed to aligning knowledge inputs with policy, empowering stakeholders to participate in developing innovative solutions to urgent governance challenges and accelerating progress towards the 2030 SDGs.
UN High-Level Political Forum
The HLPF on Sustainable Development is the UN’s central platform for reviewing and advancing SDGs. Established in 2012, the forum plays a pivotal role in monitoring national and international progress on the 2030 Agenda.
Participating delegations assess progress toward the SDGs, with this year’s forum featuring in-depth reviews of five priority goals: SDG3 (ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages); SDG5 (achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls); SDG8 (promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all); SDG14 (conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development); and SDG17 (strengthening and revitalizing the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development).
The UAE has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to supporting international efforts to achieve inclusive and sustainable development, emphasising its dedication to building effective global partnerships that promote stability, accelerate prosperity, and advance the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and beyond. This vision is guided by principles of international cooperation, future foresight, and a human-centric development approach.
This came at the conclusion of the UAE’s expanded participation in the 2025 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development, organised by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) at UN headquarters in New York City. The forum witnessed broad international participation from government representatives, international organisations, and civil society institutions.
The UAE delegation included several government leaders and officials representing the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs; Ministry of Interior; Ministry of Investment; Government Experience Exchange Programme; Secretariat of the National Committee on the SDGs; as well as representatives from the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD); Noor Dubai Foundation; and Dubai Chambers.
UAE A Leading Model in Development Cooperation and Global Partnerships
His Excellency Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Experience Exchange and Chair of the National Committee on SDGs, affirmed that the UAE has established itself as a leading model in international development cooperation. This model is built on sustaining positive impact, enhancing experience exchange, and developing innovative solutions to address global challenges.
He stated: “At the forum, we showcased pioneering national development initiatives that highlight the importance of strategic partnerships in accelerating the achievement of the SDGs. These included the 2045 XSDGs Report, which outlines development foresight for the next two decades, and the Government Experience Exchange Programme. We also held meetings focused on advancing multilateral cooperation to support the development of innovative solutions across key areas such as health, economic growth, the future of work, biodiversity, and global stability.”
Lootah confirmed that preparations are already underway for the UAE’s 2026 Voluntary National Review, which will assess progress towards the 2030 Agenda. The review underscores the UAE’s firm commitment to transparency and accountability, providing a comprehensive analysis of challenges and opportunities while identifying future development priorities. The process will involve participation from government, private, and civil society sectors to ensure unified efforts, based on the UAE’s ambitious vision for a sustainable and inclusive future driven by innovation, sustainability, and human development.
He also highlighted the UAE’s preparations to host the 2026 United Nations Water Conference taking place in December, which aims to strengthen global action to ensure the sustainable availability of water for all.
Enhancing Collaboration and Joint Action
A statement issued by the UAE delegation reaffirmed the country’s ongoing focus on strengthening international cooperation, knowledge and expertise exchange, and the importance of promoting sustainable practices across climate action, economic, social, and human development. The statement emphasised the UAE’s commitment to joint action to drive balanced growth that prioritises human and environmental protection, ensuring a positive development impact for communities worldwide.
Shaping Tomorrow & Innovative Events
The delegation organised a series of high-profile events that drew significant international interest, including the Sustainable Development Goals Exhibition for 2030 and 2045 at the UN Headquarters under the theme “Shaping Tomorrow: UAE Leadership for a Sustainable Future.” The exhibition served as a global platform to highlight the UAE’s role and raise awareness on the urgency of accelerating sustainable development.
Engagements also included a dedicated international session hosted by the Government Experience Exchange Programme to promote knowledge-sharing and expand partnerships, spanning nearly 50 countries and six international organisations, in support of the UAE’s vision for advancing international cooperation and strategic partnerships.
Report and Foresight Study
As part of its commitment to sharing knowledge, expertise, and valuable data, the UAE launched the 2025 edition of the 2045 XSDGs Report at the forum titled “Envisioning 2045: Inclusive Pathways to Sustainable Development.”
The delegation also presented the results of the latest 2045 XSDGs Global Survey, involving participants from 55 countries across various age groups and academic disciplines. The survey offered key recommendations and comprehensive perspectives on sustainable development for the next 20 years.
In collaboration with the Consulate General of the UAE in New York; Permanent Mission of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations in New York; and Noor Dubai Foundation, the National Committee on SDGs also hosted a high-level roundtable to explore the role of healthcare innovation in accelerating SDG 3 on Good Health and Well-being. The session highlighted the importance of scaling and expanding access to health innovation worldwide.
Global Councils for SDGs
The delegation presented the UAE’s Global Councils on Sustainable Development Goals, launched during the World Governments Summit 2018. The initiative acts as a dynamic network that brings together decision-makers from government, international organisations, academia, and the private sector to exchange experiences and best practices aimed at accelerating the achievement of the SDGs.
Women’s Empowerment and Child Welfare
The Secretariat of the UAE’s National Committee on SDGs and the Consulate General of the UAE in New York also organised a high-impact session on accelerating innovation to advance gender balance and sustain progress in the post-2030. The discussion focused on closing the digital gender gap, enhancing care and empowerment systems, and promoting women’s leadership roles.
Sustainable Economic Growth
The UAE delegation hosted a high-level roundtable titled “Beyond 2030: Reimagining Economic Growth for People and Planet,” exploring new dimensions of growth beyond traditional metrics and market indicators.
Two key sessions were also held, addressing the role of economic diplomacy in promoting global and societal stability and the integration of social and economic development priorities.
The Ministry of Interior shared impactful results from its cross-border collaborations aimed at enhancing environmental sustainability, most notably operation “Green Shield”; a joint effort between the UAE, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador to preserve the Amazon Basin’s biodiversity in Latin America.
Driving the SDGs Through Partnerships
The delegation led several high-level sessions focused on accelerating SDG implementation through partnerships and held approximately 48 bilateral and multilateral meetings with organisations, institutions, global programmes, and government representatives to reinforce international cooperation for inclusive development.
The UAE also participated in the Science Day, held as part of the HLPF on Sustainable Development.
The UN High-Level Political Forum
The HLPF on Sustainable Development serves as the United Nations’ central platform for topics related to sustainable development. Since its establishment in 2012, the forum plays a pivotal role in monitoring national and international progress on the 2030 Agenda.
In the presence of H.E. Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC) signed a strategic MoU with Presight, a company specialized in artificial intelligence and data analytics. The partnership aims to develop the UAE National Data Statistics Platform and enhance national technical and analytical capabilities.
H.E. Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi stated that “this new partnership comes within the framework of the UAE’s comprehensive proactive approach and the leadership’s vision for designing the future, by continuing to harness advanced technologies and artificial intelligence to maximize opportunities, align effectively with rapid transformations, and address emerging challenges.”
He added: “This strategic partnership contributes to strengthening the unification of the UAE’s official statistics and supports the transition towards smart statistics and data-driven decision-making. It also advances the development and integration of the national data ecosystem, provides a unified environment for official statistics across the country, ensures the linkage and integration of economic and social data sources, and enables government entities and decision-makers to access accurate, up-to-date, and real-time data that supports strategic planning and public policy formulation, while enhancing the UAE’s global competitiveness.”
H.E. Maryam bint Ahmed Al Hammadi, Minister of State and Secretary-General of the Cabinet, and General Chief of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, said: “This partnership with Presight reflects the leadership’s vision of building a future-ready, data- and AI-driven government. It represents a qualitative leap in the transformation of the government sector towards smart statistics and comprehensive integration with data from all relevant entities. It also strengthens the ability of these entities to make swift decisions supported by accurate, reliable, and real-time data, accelerating the national development journey and reinforcing the country’s readiness for future changes.”
H.E. noted that the partnership will contribute to enhancing integration between federal and local entities, unifying national data sources, activating agile governance frameworks that respond to the challenges of the digital era, and opening new horizons for leveraging data in support of sustainable development.
For his part, H.E. Mansoor Al Mansoori, Vice Chairman of Presight and Chair of the Advisory Board, said: “Our partnership with the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre represents direct support for the UAE Government’s efforts to strengthen the national data ecosystem, stemming from Presight’s firm belief in the importance of data as a fundamental enabler of economic and social policymaking and the transition towards a knowledge-based economy grounded in evidence and intelligent analytics.”
He added that Presight’s advanced technical capabilities in analytics and AI tools will contribute to enhancing the integration of national data and transforming it into actionable insights that support government strategies and drive the national economy towards broader horizons of growth and innovation.
The MoU represents a significant step forward in deploying AI solutions and advanced analytics within a unified national framework. This framework ensures the standardization of statistical methodologies and concepts in line with the highest international standards, while strengthening national data governance and security through hosting on the Federal Network (FedNet).
The partnership reflects the UAE’s commitment to strengthening its national statistical infrastructure, as the platform will support the production of official national statistics, including gross domestic products and balance of payments data. It will also enable government entities to analyze economic and social trends with greater accuracy, optimize resource allocation, improve the quality of government services, and enhance transparency. Furthermore, the platform translates the UAE’s shift from fragmented data systems to a unified national ecosystem based on intelligent analytics, supports the adoption of AI in policymaking and future planning, and reinforces the competitiveness of the national economy, consolidating the UAE’s position globally as a model for smart government.
The partnership underscores the importance of the National Data Statistics Platform as a strategic national asset and a unified foundation for joint statistical work across the country, supporting performance monitoring, impact measurement, and the direction of investments and future strategies, while contributing to the achievement of the objectives of the “We the UAE 2031” Vision.
The UAE has achieved tangible progress in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reaching a 62% achievement rate in accordance with global methodologies. This reflects the UAE’s firm commitment to developing sustainable policies and “its leadership as a global model in the speed of implementation and institutional integration.
This was announced during a meeting of the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which discussed ways to strengthen the national data ecosystem supporting development indicators, and highlighted the importance of improving data quality and enhancing integration among government entities as a fundamental pillar in consolidating the UAE’s progress in global indicators.
The Committee reviewed the latest developments related to the preparation of the Third Voluntary National Review (VNR) in 2026, as well as the progress in implementing the National Sustainable Development Data Plan, which aims to enhance data collection mechanisms and improve efficiency in line with international best practices.
The National Committee on SDGs held its meeting chaired by H.E. Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Experience Exchange and Chairman of the National Committee on SDGs, with the participation of H.E. Aisha Ahmed Yousef, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Community Empowerment; H.E. Dr. Hussein Abdulrahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector at the Ministry of Health and Prevention; H.E. Ahmed Al Nasser, Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Market Policies and Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Market Services at the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation; H.E. Mohammed Abdulqader, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Strategy and Policies Sector at the Ministry of Education; H.E. Hanan Mansour Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC); Lt-Col. Ali Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, Director of the Department of Strategy and the Future at the Ministry of Interior; and Eng. Nawal Al Hanaee, Director of the Future Energy Department at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure.
The Committee stressed the priority of investing in building national capacities and developing statistical competencies, in addition to expanding cooperation and partnerships with specialized international organizations in statistical methodologies, to enhance data reliability and accuracy, and to support the national sustainable development ecosystem in the long term.
National Data a Pillar for Achieving the SDGs
H.E. Abdulla Lootah affirmed that the UAE Government focuses on strengthening the integration of government efforts and enhancing the readiness of national data as a fundamental pillar to support initiatives aimed at achieving the SDGs. He noted that this approach enables the National Committee to prepare the 2026 Voluntary National Review accurately and comprehensively, while continuing to expand cooperation and coordination among relevant entities to ensure the achievement of national targets beyond 2030, and to consolidate the UAE’s position as a leading global model in accelerating the implementation of the SDGs and strengthening its international presence.
Integration of Efforts for the Third Voluntary National Review (2026)
The General Secretariat of the National Committee on SDGs reviewed the latest updates on preparations for the Third Voluntary National Review, which the UAE will present to the United Nations in July 2026, following the 2018 and 2022 reviews. Members emphasized the importance of ensuring that the Review reflects national success stories and the UAE’s efforts in accelerating the achievement of global goals, while highlighting pioneering experiences and best practices that can be generalized internationally.
Participants stressed the importance of engaging various national sectors and relevant entities in preparing the Review to ensure the submission of a comprehensive report that reflects achieved progress, challenges and future opportunities. They reviewed the latest initiatives and developments supporting the SDGs across various fields, underscoring the adoption of innovative practices and future solutions to enhance national progress, improve data quality and strengthen the country’s readiness for the Review.
Entities participating in the meeting presented their achievements related to SDG indicators, including the Ministry of Interior, which delivered a detailed briefing on its initiatives; particularly in the areas of community safety, digital transformation and the development of smart services, and the progress achieved in data readiness in relations to the Ministry’s indicators.
Notably, the National Committee on SDGs monitors the implementation of the 2030 Global Agenda, aligns the UAE’s priorities with international goals, and exchanges expertise with partners with partners at the local and global levels.to expand the network of active stakeholders contributing to the implementation of the United Nations Agenda.
The National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in cooperation with United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), has launched the SDGs Research Program during an event held at the university’s campus in Al Ain. The event was attended by His Excellency Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Experience Exchange and Chairman of the National Committee on SDGs, and H.E. Prof. Ahmed Al Raeesi, Vice Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University, along with a number of faculty members and students.
The launch of the program comes as part of the national efforts aimed at strengthening the contribution of higher education institutions to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals and consolidating the role of scientific research in developing practical and innovative solutions that contribute to achieving the 2030 Global Agenda, in line with the UAE’s future vision of building a sustainable, knowledge-based economy.
Abdulla Lootah: Enhancing scientific research is a key tool for development and decision-making
During his address at the event, H.E. Abdulla Nasser Lootah affirmed that the cooperation between the National Committee on SDGs and UAEU represents a national model for integration between government entities and academic institutions. He stressed that the SDGs Research Program embodies, in its objectives and orientations, the UAE’s vision and the focus of its wise leadership on enhancing scientific research as a key tool for development and for supporting decision-making processes. H.E. further reaffirmed the commitment to empowering youth and researchers to become partners in developing practical solutions that advance the achievement of the SDGs.
Lootah added that the program serves as a national platformthat brings together academic thought and government expertise within a distinguished learning and research model that enables the transformation of research output into initiatives and policies that enhance the UAE’s standing in global indicators and support its position as a hub for sustainable knowledge.
Ahmed Al Raeesi: A milestone in the university’s journey towards research leadership
For his part, H.E. Prof. Ahmed Al Raeesi, Vice Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University, stateden that the launch of this program marks a new milestone in the university’s journey towards research leadership. He said: “At UAEU, we are pleased to be an active part of the national efforts to achieve the SDGs. Our aim today is to empower youth to be effective contributors to shaping the future, and to integrate sustainability thinking into education and scientific research to generate knowledge that provides practical solutions to the challenges of our time, from climate change to sustainable cities and clean energy.”
H.E. added that the program reflects the fruitful partnership between academic institutions and government entities, noting that the UAE has made sustainability a national priority through field action and effective partnerships. The program further strengthens the university’s position as a leading national research institution and an academic partner supporting the country’s journey towards achieving the 2030 Global Agenda.
Development of applied scientific research
The program focuses on encouraging students to develop applied scientific research across multiple fields, including climate, energy, environment, health, education, and economic growth, in addition to enhancing their skills in research, analysis, and the development of sustainable scientific solutions.
It also seeks to activate academic and institutional partnerships within an integrated national ecosystem that supports the transformation of research outputs into practical initiatives contributing to the development of public policies and the achievement of the desired societal impact.
The cooperation between the National Committee and UAEU represents a practical embodiment of SDG 17, which focuses on partnerships for the goals, as efforts are integrated to build a new generation of researchers capable of keeping pace with global challenges and developing qualitative solutions that serve people and the environment. The launch of the program reflects the UAE’s commitment to supporting the education and scientific research ecosystem as a fundamental pillar for achieving comprehensive development, and to strengthening its position as a regional and global hub for knowledge and innovation in sustainability fields.
During Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, in collaboration with the National Committee on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and in strategic partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), launched the “Sustainability Club which is a pioneering national initiative. The launch forms part of the UAE’s ongoing efforts to translate its commitment to empowering younger generations and strengthening their role in achieving the SDGs by 2030.
The initiative aims to empower children and position them as active leaders in raising awareness and implementing community-based activities aligned with the 17 SDGs. Seventeen children have been selected, each representing one of the Goals, and will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to lead awareness campaigns and community initiatives within their schools and wider communities. Through this approach, the initiative seeks to embed the concept of sustainability through a child’s perspective into national action.
H.E. Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Experience Exchange and Chair of the National Committee on the SDGs, stated that the launch of the Sustainability Club reflects the UAE’s approach to investing in people and building capabilities from an early age, positioning children as genuine partners in the nation’s development journey and future-shaping efforts.
H.E. Lootah said: “Empowering children to understand the Sustainable Development Goals and actively contribute to achieving them is a long-term strategic investment that ensures sustainable impact and enhances national readiness for the future. For us, children are not merely beneficiaries of the sustainability agenda; they are leaders who carry its values and translate them into on-the-ground community practices.”
He added: “At the National Committee on the Sustainable Development Goals, we are committed to fostering an enabling environment that empowers children to express themselves, take initiative, and participate meaningfully. This enhances their early awareness of national and global issues. The Sustainability Club stands as a leading national model that reflects the UAE’s commitment to building a conscious, responsible generation capable of contributing effectively to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.”
H.E. Rym Abdulla Al Falasy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, emphasized that the UAE’s sustainability story has been written by its people, families, and the values passed down across generations. These values, she noted, have become integral to how children are raised, how they frame their questions, and how they envision their country’s future.
She cited the words of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan: “Future generations will be living in a world that is very different from that to which we are accustomed. It is essential that we prepare ourselves and our children for that new world.”
She added: “Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, ‘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), consistently directs that children’s wellbeing remain at the core of the development journey. These directives serve as a guiding beacon for the Council’s work, informing every policy review, national consultation, and future framework.”
Al Falasy explained that the Sustainability Club is distinguished by both its simplicity and its ambition. Seventeen children represent the 17 global goals, with each child leading a small initiative within their school or community, transforming ideas into habits, lessons into practices, and responsibility into pride.
“We are not asking children to carry global burdens; rather, we are giving them space to care, to experiment, to express themselves, and to have their voices heard. Sustainability becomes truly meaningful when it is tangible, whether through a child saving water at school, planting a tree with classmates, telling a story about justice, or questioning the importance of waste management. Such actions create real impact and shift the dialogue from conference halls to family dining tables, becoming part of everyday life.”
She concluded by affirming that the Sustainability Club is, at its core, an invitation to empower children to shape the future with their own voices.
In turn, Lana Al Wreikat, UNICEF Director for the GCC stated that the Sustainability Club reflects the UAE’s vision to build an aware generation capable of leading the future with confidence and responsibility. She noted that the Club seeks to empower children to become active contributors, not merely beneficiaries of development by engaging them in sustainability issues such as climate action, social responsibility, and artificial intelligence from an early age. She emphasized that investing in children’s capabilities and values forms the foundation for building more cohesive and innovative societies in the future.
The Sustainability Club:
The Sustainability Club initiative adopts a phased programme that begins with an introductory announcement, followed by preparation and planning, member selection, and comprehensive capacity-building. It then moves into the implementation of social initiatives led by participating children, alongside ongoing follow-up and impact measurement to track progress and outcomes. This structured approach is designed to ensure the sustainability of results and alignment with SDG indicators.
The initiative builds on the UAE’s continued efforts to embed a culture of sustainability, strengthen national and international partnerships, and reinforce its position as a global model for engaging children in advancing the international sustainable development agenda.
Officials, experts, and business leaders from the UAE and around the world explored future pathways for sustainable development over the next two decades during the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Forum, organized by the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW).
As part of the program, the Committee, in partnership with the Chief Sustainability Officers (CSO) Network, also convened a roundtable titled “Redefining Sustainability”, which discussed ways to reimagine development beyond 2030 through key themes shaping the coming decade.
The Forum, held under the theme “2030 to 2045: Delivering Now, Designing Tomorrow,” aimed to share insights and ideas that support accelerating progress on the SDGs, shaping the future of development priorities for the next phase, and strengthening partnerships across sectors and their role in achieving sustainable development outcomes.
His Excellency Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Experience Exchange and Chair of UAE’s the National Committee on SDGs, underscored the importance of foresight within the comprehensive development framework adopted by the UAE leadership. He noted that foresight plays a pivotal role in strengthening efforts to achieve the SDGs and in designing the future of sustainability to ensure optimal outcomes.
He added that hosting the Forum as part of ADSW highlights the integration of national efforts in shaping the future of sustainable development and reflects the importance of this national platform in bringing together partners concerned with sustainability, its challenges, and future opportunities. He emphasized that the Forum represents an open space for all global partners and parties engaged in designing a sustainable future for generations to come.
Development Driven by Partnerships
His Excellency Eng. Ahmed Al Kaabi, Assistant Undersecretary for Electricity, Water and Future Energy Sector at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, delivered the opening keynote of the Forum, focusing on the UAE’s commitment to accelerating progress towards the SDGs, strengthening national and global partnerships, and mapping future development pathways.
Al Kaabi stated: “The UAE is committed to achieving the SDGs through building strategic partnerships with relevant stakeholders that translate our ambitions into tangible and effective actions. These efforts support the creation of a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future from 2030 to 2045 and beyond.”
Environment and Cities
H.E. Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), also delivered a keynote address at the Forum, highlighting the UAE’s leadership in advancing the SDGs through national action and global engagement. She addressed how integrated policies, innovation, and partnerships translate global commitments into measurable impact.
Dr. Al Dhaheri discussed environmental and urban themes, noting that environmental resilience in cities is achieved through the integration of technology and nature into a single, cohesive system. She stated that during ADSW 2026, Abu Dhabi is leading an integrated approach that connects marine ecosystems, real-time data, and environmental governance mechanisms, transforming sustainability from policy into tangible, measurable, and scalable impact.
Resilient Systems… Real Results
In a session titled “Resilient Systems… Real Results,” H.E. Dr. Nawal Al Hosany, Permanent Representative of the UAE to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA); Hon. Datuk Dr. Haji Hazland, Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability of Sarawak, Malaysia; and Mohammed Al Shamsi, Chief Climate Change & Sustainability Officer at Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), shared insights on the impact of cross-sector integration in delivering meaningful sustainable development outcomes.
The session explored how integrated service delivery across vital systems—such as water, energy, infrastructure, and urban environments—can outperform siloed approaches. Speakers discussed areas for improvement in supporting integration to enhance resilience and results, as well as how digital tools and data platforms are transforming systems.
Connectivity for Sustainability
A session titled “Powering the Nexus” examined the integrated actions required to achieve carbon neutrality. Participants included Badr Al Awadhi, Chief Commercial Officer at UAEV, and Farrukh Shad, Senior Vice President and Head of Sustainability Business for the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific at Schneider Electric.
The discussion focused on the critical role of integrated energy and mobility infrastructure in achieving the UAE’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. It also addressed translating sustainability visions into scalable infrastructure, initiatives that strengthen public–private partnerships, and solutions to energy and sustainable mobility challenges. The session highlighted emerging technologies such as smart grids, vehicle-to-grid energy transfer, and battery storage, which enable the development of smarter and more resilient sustainability systems.
Sustainable Platforms for Thriving Cities: Towards the Airports of the Future
The Forum also featured a session titled “Sustainable Platforms for Thriving Cities: Towards the Airports of the Future,” with participation from Liviana Sala, Marketing Manager at JCDecaux Middle East; Giacomo Costantini, Senior Operations and Quality Manager at Avolta; Renée Malia, Vice President of Marketing at Lagardère Travel Retail; and Sara Al Abdulla, Senior Manager of Commercial Sustainability at Dubai Airports.
The session examined the role of airports as complex ecosystems connecting people, economies, and cultures in advancing sustainable development. It explored how integrated partnerships can generate innovative solutions that support airport value chains, from responsible consumption and sustainable supply chains to green infrastructure and data-driven operations.
Speakers highlighted the importance of public–private collaboration in accelerating progress, scaling impact, and creating shared value for travelers, businesses, and society. They also discussed the role of commercial partnerships in enhancing environmental and social impact, the importance of leveraging data and technology, and scalable models applicable to global airports.
Transforming Visions into Enablers
In the closing keynote, Berangère Boell-Yousfi, United Nations Resident Coordinator in the UAE, addressed how the visions discussed at the Forum can be transformed into enablers for tangible and scalable impact. She highlighted the role of the UN in leading collective action through global platforms such as the High-Level Political Forum and the UN General Assembly, while shaping resilient, future-ready development pathways.
She emphasized that meaningful and lasting progress is achieved when ambition is matched with execution, when data guides decision-making, and when governments, the private sector, and communities work together with strong commitment and shared purpose.
Redefining Sustainability
In a related context, the National Committee on SDGs, in partnership with the CSO Network, organized high-level dialogue titled “Redefining Sustainability.” Participants discussed ideas and perspectives aimed at reimagining development beyond 2030 through themes that will shape the coming decade.
The meeting sought to reposition sustainability as a driver of competitiveness, a catalyst for investor confidence, and a fundamental factor in long-term value creation. Discussions addressed the evolving roles of sustainability leaders, their contribution to strategic system design, technology integration, and the concept and practices of performance-based sustainability.
Participants examined how sustainability should be redefined through strategies, systems, and partnerships to become a core engine of competitiveness, resilience, and long-term value creation beyond 2030. They also discussed post-2030 development priorities from the perspectives of the UAE, the MENA region, and the global context.
The meeting further highlighted the importance of enhancing cross-sector coordination by bringing together government entities, the private sector, youth representatives, and multilateral partners around shared development pathways. Discussions also addressed the need to develop an updated conceptual framework for sustainability that prioritizes value, aligns with global frameworks, and reflects the UAE’s national priorities, as well as the UAE’s contribution to the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
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