Welcome to the United Nations
Key Messages
- Saudi Arabia has placed sustainable development at the forefront of national priorities by fully integrating it into the Vision 2030, the country’s transformational long-term plan. The Vision seeks to transform Saudi Arabia into a thriving and dynamic nation, while at the same time balancing economic growth with social and environmental sustainability. The integration of Vision 2030 and the SDGs represents a concerted effort to promote sustainable and inclusive development with quality of life at the core.
- The Kingdom views sustainability as a driving force for growth and advancement , and strives to integrate economic, social, and environmental considerations into development initiatives. This commitment is reflected in the extensive institutional and policy framework that underpins the SDGs, culminating with the establishment of Sustainable Development Steering Committee in September 2021. Sustainability has become central to policy development , with key measures taken by the Government to foster policy coherence for sustainable development. To this end, the Government has adopted a whole-of-society and a whole-of-government approach to policymaking.
- The Kingdom has launched numerous initiatives in support of sustainable development. The Saudi Green Initiative positions Saudi Arabia as a global leader in climate action and environmental protection. The Middle East Green Initiative , a regional effort to address climate change, and the Circular Carbon Economy approach, targeting net-zero emissions, have also been launched. The Saudi Public Investment Fund , one of the world's largest sovereign funds, finances projects promoting economic growth and sustainable development. The Quality of Life Program enhances citizens' well-being, while institutions like the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, the Saudi Data & AI Authority and multiple incubators and accelerators foster technological development and innovation.
- Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainable development is long-standing and present in all social, environmental, and economic dimensions. In the social sphere, Saudi Arabia has established an extensive social protection system , which incorporates social insurance programs, social safety nets, and labor market support programs , providing citizens with wide-ranging support in areas such as health, retirement, unemployment insurance, subsidies, housing, education, and employment. The Kingdom has tackled childhood malnutrition, enhanced its healthcare system, maintained high vaccination rates, and achieved near gender parity in education. Human rights are fortified through multiple programs and the Human Rights Commission. Women's empowerment has progressed through increased workforce participation and leadership representation. Women's rights have been prioritized, adopting laws promoting equal pay, travel freedom, and violence protection.
- Saudi Arabia places great importance on the protection of environment and the preservation of natural resources. The Kingdom has set out to increase renewables to 50% of its power generation by 2030. The Kingdom is scaling up renewable projects, electric vehicle adoption, hydrogen production, energy efficiency, and carbon capture, utilization, and storage. Improvements in clean water and sanitation have been achieved. The Kingdom participates actively in climate negotiations, has ratified the Paris Agreement, and aims for net-zero emissions by 2060 through the circular carbon economy approach. The Government has also established ambitious afforestation efforts and protection of marine and land areas.
- In the area of economic development, Saudi Arabia has reduced oil dependency and is expanding sectors such as tourism, technology, and diversified energy. The Kingdom has made significant progress in creating jobs, with a particular focus on female labor force participation, which rose from 19.4% in 2015 to 36% in 2022. Multiple large-scale urban development programs are expanding green spaces, pedestrian walkways, and recreational areas.
- Globally, Saudi Arabia is emerging as an investment powerhouse and an economic hub connecting three continents. As a G20 member, Saudi Arabia has demonstrated strong commitment to sustainable development by leading towards "seizing the opportunities of the 21 st century for all" during its presidency. Based on OECD data, Saudi Arabia is ranked as the top global donor for humanitarian and development assistance to low- and middle-income countries.
- Saudi Arabia’s achievements outlined in the VNR report are evidence of its unwavering commitment to sustainable development . They are the result of unprecedented reforms ushered in by Vision 2030 and the collaborative and inclusive approach involving all segments of the society. Guided by its traditions and vision, Saudi Arabia remains dedicated to a future where all people live in prosperity and security and contribute to a peaceful and prosperous planet.
