“Let me be blunt: we don’t do well. Our progress on the SDGs has stalled and even went against some of the key goals and objectives, leaving many behind,” she said. speak in the opening speech of the Arab Forum on Sustainable Development (AFSD) in Beirut, Lebanon.
World leaders adopted 17 SDGs in 2015, setting out a roadmap towards a more “green”, fairer and more equitable global future by 2030. With countries now halfway through the way, Ms. Mohammed called for an honest assessment to decide to adjust the route.
Promises in danger
She emphasizes how COVID-19 The pandemic, war in Ukraine and the “triple-planet crisis” – climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution – have affected lives and livelihoods.
Consequences in the Arab world include increased poverty, which is approaching 50% in poorer countries in the region, and food insecurity. The recent devastating earthquakes in Syria and Türkiye have only added to the pain.
“Unless we act now, all these factors can make the promise achieved Sustainable development goals beyond the reach of this region and the rest of the world,” she said. “We need an urgent look at how policy and investment decisions can makeut area back on track.”
SDG . Stimulation Plan
Ms. Mohammed said that despite these challenges, the Arab region has made progress towards sustainable development in the region. renewable energy, internet access and social protectionwill be the inspiration for the road ahead.
However, the collective debt burden of countries in the region has increased significantly, she added, pointing to the “broken down” global financial system.
She reiterated that the UN Secretary-General has proposed urgent and necessary reforms to the global financial structure and called for $500 billion in annual support. stimulus plan for the SDGs.
Climate and gender action
She also stressed the need for climate action, noting that the region is already suffering from drought and sandstorms, which will only get worse with global warming.
The United Arab Emirates will host the United Nations climate change conference COP28 this year, and she said the country “has a huge responsibility to reach consensus around pushing forward. accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels – regionally and worldwide.”
She also emphasized that while sustainable development is essential, an important factor – gender equality – is often overlooked.
“The math is very simple. Without the contribution of half of the members, societies would fulfill only half of their potential,” she said. “We need everyone’s full contribution, to weather the storms of the present and build inclusive, sustainable economies and societies for the future.”
Important private sector
Speaking at another AFSD event, Ms. Mohammed underlined the importance of the private sector – from micro enterprises to multinational corporations – in realizing a sustainable global future.
“SDGs would fail without the private sector,” she warned. “We urgently need the strong private sector partnership to invest in the transformation needed to accelerate development and get the SDGs back on track.”
She said the business community could play an important role in closing the financing gap to achieve the goals by 2030, which are estimated to exceed $660 billion per year in 12 Arab countries.
Although private capital is abundant, she said only a small part is associated with the SDGs and the challenge is to mobilize private capital at home and abroad to help bridge the gap.
She also noted positive developments, as recently disclosed corporate financial transactions a move towards sustainability in the region, especially in terms of renewable energy, water and transportation.
However, she said investments in infrastructure and social services, equality, peace and justice are still too little and too little.
Deputy Secretary General Amina Mohammad visits the Access Kitchen project in Lebanon.
Activities of Deputy Secretary General
Arab Forum on Sustainable Development (AFSD), ending on Thursday, organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission on West Asia (ESCWA), based in Beirut.
Before the opening, the Deputy Secretary-General met with AFSD-2023 President, Waed Badhib, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation of Yemen.
She also held a press conference on Tuesday alongside ESCWA Executive Secretary Rola Dashti and Mr. Badhib.
Ms. Mohammed and the UN Resident Coordinators from the Arab region then had a field visit to a community kitchen in Beirut set up by the Lebanese Alliance of People with Disabilities.
“Access Kitchen” is supported by UN women under a program in cooperation with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The Deputy Secretary-General listened to the challenges faced by women and girls with disabilities in Lebanon and how they are responding to the many crises affecting the country. After that, she participated in the preparation of the meal.
Ms. Mohammed also discussed with the Coordinators how best to drive momentum towards achieving sustainable development ahead of the SDG . Summit at United Nations Headquarters in New York in September.
