Sustainable Development Goals
Countries Around the World Have Adopted…
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The United Nations General Assembly adopted the sustainable development goals agenda in 2015, to be achieved by the year 2030. It constitutes a roadmap for achieving a better and more sustainable future, with the goals comprising 17 interconnected SDGs representing an integral part of a UN resolution entitled the “International Agenda 2030”. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals include four major themes -- environmental, social, economic and partnerships. The unique facet of this agenda is that it is the very first agreement of 193 member countries of the UN, together with hundreds of thousands of stakeholders to achieve one long-term vision for the future.
The SDGs serve as an extensive road map and a large-scale agenda requiring close collaboration of the public and private sectors, including the entire community to develop and implement strategies that enhance the quality of life in a sustainable approach. It also provides specific targets and indicators for all member states to incorporate in their national action plans while giving emphasis on the environmental challenges that the world is experiencing.
The UAE has made these goals a fundamental part of its vision and future ambitions, making them an essential element of its 2030 agenda. The country has committed itself to “not leaving anyone behind.” The sustainable development goals have been incorporated in the development strategies of the UAE. The National Committee on SDGs was established in 2017, with the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and the Future, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and 15 government entities at the federal level as its members. They share responsibility for implementing the sustainable development goals at the national level, monitoring progress on the goals, engaging relevant stakeholders, and submitting periodic reports on the country’s achievements, in addition to building a comprehensive action plan and ensuring that these goals are aligned with the UAE’s national development priorities and the UAE Vision 2021.
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The Role of the Ministry of Economy in Achieving the UAE’s Strategic Development Goals
In the face of challenges that the world encounters, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, global economic recession, and climate change, the Ministry of Economy recognises the need to achieve sustainable development and develop integrated measures to fulfil economic, social and environmental objectives. The Ministry has focused its efforts to effectively implement its sustainable development strategies, leveraging all possible mechanisms to make sure that its policies and initiatives are aligned with the UAE’s vision to achieve SDGs. The roles of the Ministry of Economy in this context are based on formulating visions and operational plans, and launching programmes, activities and initiatives that support the process of implementing the sustainable development goals and take them forward. The Ministry of Economy constantly highlights the significance of building a fruitful partnership with the private sector in shaping the future of the national economy and maximising its role in the development process. MoE is keen on establishing cooperation with relevant authorities to establish sustainable development partnership between the public and private sectors.
Goal 5
Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women and Girls
Eradicating all forms of discrimination against women and girls does not only constitute a fundamental human right but is also a critical factor in accelerating sustainable development. In the UAE, the Gender Balance Council was established to enhance the leading role of Emirati women in the country’s development, and ensure that best practices are being implemented by federal institutions to meet their gender equality goals. The country has also introduced laws and initiatives to protect the rights of women, provide equal job opportunities, ensure their decent living and foster their creativity in sustainable and developmental domains.
Goal 8
Decent Work and Inclusive Economic Growth
Goal 8 focuses on promoting comprehensive economic development as well as boosting productivity levels and creating employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. Within the Ministry of Economy’s framework, a flourishing international trade is considered a driver of comprehensive economic growth, and constitutes an important means for fulfilling Goal 8. Economic growth, catalysed by the high level of national income, influences the progress and expansion of international trade. At the same time, fluctuations in the condition of international trade have a direct impact on the country’s national income.
Goal 9
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
The UAE is a regional leader in terms of building infrastructure, developing industries and enhancing innovation, which are crucial factors that impact economic growth and development. Globally, it has cemented its leading position in various indicators, including ease of doing business, competitive capacity, entrepreneurship, investment, innovation and tourism. The Ministry of Economy focuses its efforts on meeting the social and environmental sustainability requirements in all economic activities of the UAE to achieve Goal 9, with its core vision that aims to achieve a sustainable economic growth based on knowledge and innovation.
Goal 10
Reduced Inequalities
The UAE has played a significant role in reducing inequalities, which is a crucial factor in achieving stability and sustainability. This commitment serves as a catalyst in making continuous efforts to develop and implement policies and initiatives for sustainable development that improve the standard of living of its people and promote equality in opportunities for different sectors.
Goal 12
Responsible Consumption and Production
With the UAE’s commitment to achieve sustainable development, the government established the Circular Economy Policy, a comprehensive framework that defines the country’s strategy to attain sustainable governance and the right utilisation of natural resources, by adopting consumption and production methods that enhance the quality of life of the present and future generations. The Circular Economy Policy, which offers a significant contribution to the achievement of Goal 12, aims to promote environmental health, support the private sector in the adoption of clean production methods, reduce the strain on the environment, and achieve the UAE’s vision to be a world leader in green development.
Goal 17
Partnerships for the Goals
The Ministry of Economy’s role in achieving Goal 17 involves building and strengthening the UAE’s local, regional and global partnerships to boost opportunities for economic productivity and growth that contribute to sustainable development. It aims to uphold solidarity among nations and developing a collaborative relationship that is based on mutual trust to leverage future opportunities that will help build a stronger and more resilient economy. Moreover, the Ministry constantly works on bolstering ties with the public and private sector and developing a supportive and innovative environment to serve various industries.
