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UAE VOLUNTARY NATIONAL REVIEW 2022 – MAIN MESSAGES
- UAE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
The UAE delivered its first VNR in 2018, stating the country’s strong dedication to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
The UAE’s commitment towards sustainable development is at the heart of the country’s vision for its future, which is aligned with the SDGs. As an outcome of the Vision 2021, the UAE fulfilled its goals by ranking first worldwide in 152 international index indicators and among the top 10 countries globally, in 425 indicators.
In 2020, the UAE commenced in shaping a comprehensive development plan for the next 50-years, with 10-year intervals across the next 5 decades, strengthening the country’s reputation and sustainable development. The “Principles of the 50” serve as guidelines for UAE institutions, to build a sustainable-, diverse economy, and harnessing resources for prosperous growth.
The Centennial 2071 Plan will ensure the UAE’s resilience to adapt to future challenges, whilst driving a future-focused government, excellent education, diversified economy, and a cohesive society.
- UAE NATIONAL COMMITTEE ON SDGS AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
The UAE National Committee on SDGs was established in 2017 with the aim to coordinate the implementation of the SDGs across the UAE. It is chaired by the Minister of State for International Cooperation. The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC) serves as Secretariat to the Committee and is in charge of reporting and monitoring progress annually.
The Committee comprises 15 federal government entities, and serve as a platform for multi-stakeholder engagement.
The Committee has adopted a whole-of-society approach to implement the SDGs through cross-sectoral collaborations and consultations supporting policy-making processes. The private sector, youth, NGOs, academia, and international stakeholders play a pivotal role in the national implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
- SDG ENABLING MECHANISMS
The UAE has been at the forefront of catalyzing change agents for an inclusive, prosperous, and a sustainable future. The UAE has adopted technologies and initiatives to support the social, environmental, and economic sectors, at national level.
Various initiatives and programs have mainstreamed the SDGs as driving themes. A non-exhaustive selection of flagship initiatives includes;
1. Expo2020 - Dubai , a purpose-built city and community with SDGs ingrained in its every facet. Expo welcomed 24 million visitors from around the world and 200 million online. The Global Goals week, attended by UN Deputy Secretary General, Amina J. Mohammed, brought the SDGs to life as ‘The World’s To-Do-List’ with commitments from more than 75,000 visitors.
2. UN Regional Hub serves as a platform to use Big Data and data science for official statistics and the SDGs. The UAE launched its platform in January 2022, and one of four countries globally to host a regional platform.
3. Government Leaders Programme is an initiative that shapes future leaders, globally. The GLP propels change agents to drive global impact through development programs.
- MONITORING AND REPORTING ANNUAL PROGRESS TOWARDS SDGs IMPLEMENTATION
The UAE has centralized reporting and monitoring through the SDG Adaa System (Adaa means ‘performance’ in Arabic). From 2022 to 2030, the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs will monitor the System that serve as an enabler to government entities, to promote, manage, and follow up on SDG implementation. The System raised SDG-awareness to the level of the entirety of the UAE government. A digital ecosystem supports the SDG Adaa System, focusing on sustainability and governance. The ecosystem retrieve metrics from multiple sources to drive sustainable production of data, which support the UAE’s statistical framework.
- UAE FOREIGN AID
The implementation of the SDGs is a pursuit not just at the national but also at regional and global levels. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation leads the UAE’s international development cooperation. The UAE has by now expanded its geographical aid to more than 170 countries, including 46 LCDs and LMICs.
- UAE’S RESPONSE TO THE NOVEL CORONAVIRUS
In March 2022, the UAE supported the global community with 2,217 tons of medical supplies, 200 medical flights, to 136 countries, in response to COVID-19.
The UAE remains committed to build back better and to accelerate the global implementation of the 2030 Agenda, in a post COVID-19 world.
