Business Leaders Highlight Private Sector's Role In Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

Business leaders highlighted the importance of the private sector in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) during a workshop organized by the General Secretariat of the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals and the UN Global Compact in the UAE.

Abdullah Nasser Lootah, Chairman of the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, said the UAE's "decision to extend the Year of Sustainability to include 2024 reflects the leadership's commitment to promoting sustainable practices within society," WAM reported.

"Achieving SDGs can only come from collective effort, so strengthening partnerships between the public and private sectors is vital to a more sustainable and prosperous future," he added.

Eng. Waleed Salman, Chairman of the Board of the UN Global Compact Network in the UAE, noted that the shared commitment between the UN and UAE to SDGs shows the importance of engagement and consultation with the private sector, adding that it is a key driver of transformative change, especially through innovation.

"In this sense, companies in the UAE are uniquely positioned to lead the way, demonstrating how sustainable business practices can drive global progress and contribute to a brighter future for all," Salman said.

The workshop was attended by Anita Lebiar, the Head of the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia at the United Nations Global Compact; Bérangère Boëll, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in the UAE; and Omar Khan, Head of the Centre for Business Studies and Research at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce.

Mark Esposito, Professor of Public Policy at Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government and faculty affiliate at Harvard Center for International Development at Harvard Kennedy School, was also present during the workshop.

The workshop took place ahead of the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York from July 8-17 and focused on the theme "Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises: the effective delivery of sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions."

At the forum, business leaders will present ideas discussed during the Dubai workshop, which emphasized the private sector's role 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 will share best practices, exchange knowledge, and provide solutions and recommendations to support SDGs.

Last week, the 18th UAE-Japan Friendship Committee for Women (FCW) forum took place, aiming at empowering women to contribute to the sustainable energy sector.