Saudi Arabia recently concluded its participation in the 2024 High-Level Political Forum for Sustainable Development in New York. The forum, which took place from 8 to 18 July 2024, brought together countries to review global efforts and progress made in achieving the sustainable development goals within the 2030 Agenda. The Saudi delegation, led by Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Al-Ibrahim, emphasized the importance of clear policies focused on solutions that have the maximum impact in the shortest period of time.
Al-Ibrahim highlighted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainable progress, emphasizing the need to improve the general standard of living and enhance the quality of life. The Kingdom has followed an approach that includes all aspects of the economy and focuses on people to extract latent potential, in line with the goals of Vision 2030. Saudi cities have been actively participating in promoting sustainability by publishing voluntary local audits and incorporating sustainable practices to benefit all community groups.
The Quality of Life Program, represented by Saudi Arabia, aimed to showcase the progress made by the Kingdom in achieving sustainable development goals, with a focus on sustainable city projects and efforts to improve the quality of life. Various activities, including discussion sessions and workshops, were organized by the program to accompany the forum. The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture also participated in a pavilion, where they highlighted initiatives such as the Green Saudi Initiative and the Green Middle East Initiative.
Saudi Arabia’s ongoing preparations to host the Conference of the Parties at its 16th session to combat desertification (COP 16) in Riyadh in December were also highlighted during the Forum. The Kingdom’s participation in the high-level political forum dates back to 2017, with the annual event held under the auspices of the United Nations Economic and Social Council since 2015. By showcasing its efforts and initiatives in sustainable development, Saudi Arabia continues its commitment to global sustainable development goals.
The discussions at the forum stressed the importance of accelerating progress towards sustainable development by implementing clear policies and solutions with maximum impact. Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life and improving the general standard of living was highlighted as a crucial aspect of achieving sustainable progress. The Kingdom’s approach, as outlined in Vision 2030, focuses on all aspects of the economy and places people at the center to unlock latent potential and achieve sustainable development goals.
As part of its commitment to sustainability, Saudi cities are actively participating in promoting sustainable practices by publishing voluntary local audits and incorporating sustainable practices that benefit all community groups. The Quality of Life Program, which showcased Saudi Arabia’s progress in sustainable development goals at the forum, highlighted initiatives such as sustainable city projects and efforts to improve the quality of life. The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture also presented initiatives like the Green Saudi Initiative and the Green Middle East Initiative at the pavilion during the forum.
Saudi Arabia’s upcoming hosting of the Conference of the Parties at its 16th session to combat desertification (COP 16) in Riyadh in December was also a focal point of discussion during the forum. The Kingdom’s continued participation in the high-level political forum since 2017 underscores its dedication to achieving global sustainable development goals. By actively engaging in discussions and showcasing its efforts in sustainable development, Saudi Arabia reaffirms its commitment to contributing to a sustainable future for all.
