Private sector key to sustainable growth

According to the report, the UAE’s development priorities are aligned with the concept of global sustainable development. Along with its ‘UAE Vision 2021’ and ‘UAE Centennial 2071’, the country formed the National Committee on SDGs in 2017, facilitating the SDG’s prioritisation, alignment and integration, as well as monitoring and reporting on developments throughout the UAE. A year later, the committee launched to advisory councils that act as sounding boards for future policy development.

Platform for dialogue

UAE’s global rank in terms of achieving SDGs notes the UAE scored 100 per cent in SDG1, which calls for an end to poverty in all its manifestations by 2030.

The FCSA report said that the country does not face challenges from poverty, and that it “supports the implementation of SDG 1 at an international level through humanitarian work via different aid agencies” such as the Emirates Red Crescent, ERC.

As for SDG 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions, the UAE scored 93 per cent, because “of its high government efficiency, established property rights, and 100 per cent rate of child registration,” the report added. It went on to highlight the UAE’s efforts in achieving SDG 17, which calls to strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development, noting that in 2018 the UAE maintained its ranks as the world’s largest donor of ODA for the fifth consecutive year.