UAE Reaffirms Commitment to Global Sustainable Development at UN High-Level Political Forum 2025

New York, The Gulf Observer: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to global sustainable development at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development 2025, held at the UN Headquarters in New York. Emphasising international partnerships and human-centric development, the UAE reiterated its active role in achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and shaping the post-2030 development agenda.

The UAE delegation participated in the forum with a robust presence comprising senior officials from key national entities, including the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Investment, Government Experience Exchange Programme (GEEP), General Secretariat of the National Committee on SDGs, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), Noor Dubai Foundation, and Dubai Chambers.

Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Experience Exchange and Chair of the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, led the UAE delegation. He underscored the UAE’s innovative and collaborative approach to international development cooperation, stating:

“We presented pioneering national models and initiatives that reflect the importance of strategic partnerships in accelerating the achievement of the SDGs. Among these were the 2045 XDGs Report and the Government Experience Exchange Programme (GEEP), aimed at addressing global challenges through innovation and shared expertise.”

Lootah also announced the commencement of preparations for the UAE’s 2026 Voluntary National Review (VNR), which will evaluate progress towards the 2030 SDGs. The review process will engage government entities, the private sector, and civil society to ensure a comprehensive and unified vision based on innovation, sustainability, and human development.

The UAE’s participation included high-profile events such as the “Shaping Tomorrow: UAE Leadership for a Sustainable Future” exhibition and a special GEEP session, which expanded the UAE’s partnership network to nearly 50 countries and six international organisations. The launch of the 2045 XDGs Report, outlining global development priorities beyond 2030 and incorporating findings from an international survey, further underscored the UAE’s leadership in shaping the global development agenda.

In partnership with the UAE Consulate General in New York, the delegation highlighted the pivotal role of the Global Councils for SDGs, which serve as an international platform uniting experts and leaders across sectors to accelerate sustainable progress. The Councils, originally launched at the World Government Summit, focus on collaborative action to tackle emerging global issues.

Sessions led by the General Secretariat of the National Committee on SDGs addressed critical areas such as gender balance, child welfare, digital inclusion, and women’s leadership as key pillars of sustainable development beyond 2030.

The UAE also hosted a roundtable on reimagining economic growth for people and the planet, and led discussions on economic diplomacy, aiming to align social and economic goals for global stability. The Ministry of Interior contributed by showcasing the Green Shield Operation, a cross-border environmental initiative aimed at protecting biodiversity in the Amazon Basin.

Throughout the forum, the UAE conducted 48 bilateral meetings and participated in various high-impact sessions, including Science Day activities, demonstrating its commitment to fostering global cooperation and knowledge sharing.

As the leading global platform for reviewing SDG progress, the HLPF 2025 highlighted the UAE’s growing role as a proactive and innovative partner in the international development landscape. The UAE also announced preparations to host the UN Water Conference in December 2026, reinforcing its commitment to global water sustainability and environmental stewardship.