The UAE National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) recently organised a series of meetings and workshops on SDGs in cooperation with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme and the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI).
The workshops aimed to build the capabilities of national agencies and technical expertise on reporting sustainable development goals and also evaluate progress on the 2030 global agenda based on the UAE SDGs National Data Plan, according to WAM.
The workshops conducted technical meetings between experts from custodian international agencies and representatives of relevant UAE government agencies to discuss indicators and methodologies for calculating data.
They also highlighted the importance of building technical capabilities and competencies to collect and update data on the platforms of international organisations responsible for the SDGs.
Dr. Fernanda Lonardoni, Head of the UN-Habitat Country Programme, said that the SDG 11 Workshop Series provides an opportunity for the UAE to “align with global standards and methodologies.”
“By utilising data, national leaders can more effectively identify urban policy and infrastructure gaps and develop clear pathways to achieve the SDGs in cities and communities,” said Dr. Lonardoni.
Sheikh Nasser Al Qasemi, Assistant Undersecretary for Regulation of Infrastructure and Transport Sector at MoEI, said that achieving SDG11 is a joint responsibility that requires a “clear approach” and “active involvement” of all stakeholders to overcome the challenges faced by cities.
“We can achieve this goal by setting the proper governance framework and harnessing the capabilities of the government, the business sector, and civil society.”
He added that international cooperation is “key” to achieving the SDGs.
The workshop was attended by senior officials from the ministry and representatives from UN-Habitat. Representatives from organisations dedicated to achieving the SDGs also participated.