“Engine of change” key to the SDGs

ANI |
Updated: June 30, 2024 23:25 IST

Dubai (UAE), June 30 (ANI/WAM): The private sector “is an enabler of change and sustainable development” and plays a key role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), according to business leaders speaking at a workshop organized by the General Secretariat of the National Committee for the Sustainable Development Goals and the UN Global Compact in the United Arab Emirates.
The workshop was held recently, ahead of the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, which will be held in New York from July 8 to 17, under the theme “Strengthening the 2030 Agenda and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises: effectively delivering sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions.”
There, business leaders will present ideas discussed during the Dubai workshop, which aimed to highlight the role of the private sector in achieving SDGs 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), 13 (Climate Action), 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and 17 (Partnerships for Goals). Executives from over 80 companies took part in workshops to share best practices, exchange knowledge and present solutions and recommendations to support the SDGs.

Abdullah Nasser Lootah, Chairman of the National Committee for the Sustainable Development Goals, said: “The UAE’s decision to extend the Year of Sustainable Development to 2024 reflects the commitment of its leaders to promote sustainable practices in society, which directly supports national efforts to achieve the SDGs. Achieving the SDGs can only happen through a collective effort, so strengthening partnerships between the public and private sectors is crucial for a more sustainable and prosperous future.”
Eng. Waleed Salman, UAE Board Chair of the UN Global Compact Network, commented: “Our joint commitment to the SDGs underscores the importance of engaging and consulting with the private sector, which is a key driver of transformative change, especially through innovation. In this sense, UAE businesses are uniquely positioned to lead the way, demonstrating how sustainable business practices can drive global progress and contribute to a brighter future for all.”
Other workshop participants included Anita Lebiar, Head of the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Central Asia at the UN Global Compact, Berangere Boell, UN Resident in the United Arab Emirates, Omar Khan, Head of the Center for Business Studies and Research at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, and Mark Esposito, professor of public policy at the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government and faculty member of the Harvard Center for International Development at the Harvard Kennedy School.
Participants participated in a roundtable discussing the results of a survey in which local businesses were asked about their experiences implementing the SDGs, including challenges, successful initiatives and best practices. (ANI/WAM)