The UAE took a significant step toward advancing the Sustainable Development Goals at the 2024 UN High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), where a high-level delegation met UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed in New York to strengthen sustainable development cooperation and accelerate progress on the 2030 Agenda.
UAE Delegation Engages the UN on SDG Cooperation
The discussions were chaired by Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Knowledge Exchange and Chairman of the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals. The delegation also included Mohammed A. M. Al Maras, Head of Strategic Affairs at the office of His Highness the Vice President of the UAE and Secretary General of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy.
The UAE side actively participated in debates at United Nations headquarters in New York. The focus was on improving knowledge flow, strengthening international collaboration, and forging solid partnerships — all in line with SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
National Initiatives Aligned with the 2030 Agenda
The UAE delegation outlined several national actions designed to create a harmonised incentive for development, centred on equal opportunities, resource preservation for future generations, and tangible benefits for individuals and society as a whole.
Other senior members of the delegation included Rashid Mubarak Al Mansouri, Acting Secretary-General of the Emirates Red Crescent; Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development; Lieutenant Colonel Dana Humaid Al Marzooqi, Director-General of the International Affairs Bureau at the Ministry of Interior; and Hashem Al Attas, Senior Portfolio Manager MENA at Masdar.
Amina Mohammed Calls for Expanded Partnership
UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed expressed strong support for the cooperation and said: "I look forward to continued cooperation with the UAE to accelerate sustainable development for the 2030 Agenda and beyond, ensuring a better future for communities around the world."
Lootah Reaffirms UAE's Commitment to the SDGs
Abdulla Nasser Lootah underscored the UAE's commitment to partnering with the United Nations to eradicate poverty and hunger, advance climate action, build strong institutions, and foster international cooperation toward shared sustainable development goals.
"The UAE has successfully evolved into a dependable partner of the international community in attaining development objectives and fostering peace, justice, and international organizations such as the United Nations system — after four decades of earnest endeavours and coordination with countries, governments, and organizations," Lootah said.
He stressed the need to develop strategic partnerships with UN development programmes to share best practices and innovative ideas for reaching the ultimate goals of sustainable development.
