Saudi Arabia to Participate in 2024 UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development

Saudi Arabia will participate in the 2024 United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, taking place from July 8 to 18, 2024, in New York City. The forum will assess global progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under the 2030 Agenda. The Saudi delegation will be led by Faisal bin Fadel Alibrahim, Minister of Economy and Planning, and will include representatives from 13 government agencies, reflecting the Kingdom’s coordinated approach to sustainable development.

Context and Background

The High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) is the primary United Nations platform for follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 SDGs. Established in 2012, the HLPF meets annually under the auspices of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Saudi Arabia has participated in the forum every year since 2017, demonstrating its consistent engagement with the global sustainability agenda.

This year’s forum theme is “Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Eradicating Poverty in Times of Multiple Crises: The Effective Delivery of Sustainable, Resilient, and Innovative Solutions.” The forum will conduct in-depth reviews of several SDGs, including Goal 1 (No Poverty), Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), Goal 13 (Climate Action), Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Key Details

The Saudi delegation comprises representatives from key government entities, including the Ministry of Economy and Planning, the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, and several national centers and authorities. Notable participants include the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC), the National Center for Environmental Compliance (NCEC), the General Food Security Authority (GFSA), the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, the Royal Commission for AlUla Governorate, the Al Madinah Region Development Authority, the Quality of Life Program, and the Qassim Urban Observatory.

A highlight of Saudi Arabia’s participation this year is the presentation of a Voluntary Local Review (VLR) by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City. The VLR provides a detailed analysis of progress in achieving the SDGs at the local level in the Riyadh region. This marks a significant step in localizing the SDGs and showcases Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainable urban development.

In addition, the Ministry of Economy and Planning will host a side event titled “Stimulating Local Efforts for the SDGs,” featuring speakers from various government agencies and international partners. The event will highlight local initiatives and projects that contribute to achieving the SDGs.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture will have a pavilion at the forum, showcasing the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative. The pavilion will also feature the Kingdom’s preparations to host the 16th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (COP16) in Riyadh in December.

Implications and Impact

Saudi Arabia’s active participation in the HLPF underscores its commitment to global sustainability and its role as a responsible international actor. By presenting a Voluntary Local Review, the Kingdom demonstrates its dedication to localizing the SDGs and sharing best practices with the international community. The side event on local efforts and the environmental pavilion further highlight Saudi Arabia’s proactive approach to addressing global challenges such as climate change, desertification, and food security.

Saudi Arabia’s engagement at the HLPF also reinforces its leadership in regional sustainability efforts, particularly through initiatives like the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative, which aim to combat climate change and promote green development across the region. The upcoming COP16 in Riyadh will be a major milestone, as it will bring together global stakeholders to address desertification and land degradation.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Saudi Arabia’s participation in the 2024 HLPF aligns closely with the goals of Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s comprehensive plan to diversify its economy, enhance quality of life, and promote sustainable development. Vision 2030 emphasizes environmental sustainability, economic diversification, and social progress, all of which are reflected in the SDGs. By integrating Vision 2030 with the global sustainability framework, Saudi Arabia is not only advancing its national development but also contributing to the global effort to achieve the 2030 Agenda. This participation exemplifies the Kingdom’s commitment to a sustainable and prosperous future for all.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the 2024 UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development?

A1. The 2024 UN High-Level Political Forum is a key UN platform to review progress on the Sustainable Development Goals. It runs from July 8 to 18, 2024, in New York City, bringing together governments, civil society, and stakeholders to assess global efforts under the 2030 Agenda.

Q2. Who will lead Saudi Arabia’s delegation to the forum?

A2. The Saudi delegation will be led by Faisal bin Fadel Alibrahim, Minister of Economy and Planning. It includes representatives from 13 government agencies, demonstrating a coordinated national approach to sustainable development and international cooperation.

Q3. Which government agencies are part of the Saudi delegation?

A3. The delegation includes the Ministry of Economy and Planning, Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, and several national centers and authorities such as NCVC, NCEC, and GFSA, among others.

Q4. What is a Voluntary Local Review (VLR)?

A4. A Voluntary Local Review is a process through which local governments assess their progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. It complements national reviews and highlights local contributions to the global agenda, promoting bottom-up implementation.

Q5. Which Saudi entity will present a VLR at the 2024 forum?

A5. The Royal Commission for Riyadh City will present Saudi Arabia’s Voluntary Local Review. It provides a detailed analysis of progress in achieving the SDGs at the local level in the Riyadh region.

Q6. Has Saudi Arabia submitted voluntary national reviews before?

A6. Yes, Saudi Arabia previously submitted voluntary national reviews at the High-Level Political Forum in 2018 and 2023. These reviews showcased significant progress in various areas of sustainable development and the Kingdom’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda.

Q7. What side event will the Ministry of Economy and Planning hold?

A7. The Ministry will hold a side event titled “Stimulating Local Efforts for the SDGs.” It will feature speakers from various government agencies and international partners, highlighting local initiatives and projects that contribute to achieving the SDGs.

Q8. What will the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture showcase?

A8. The Ministry will have a pavilion showcasing the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative. It will also feature the Kingdom’s preparations to host COP16 in Riyadh in December, focusing on combating desertification.

Q9. What are the focus SDGs of the 2024 forum?

A9. The forum will conduct in-depth reviews of Goal 1 (No Poverty), Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), Goal 13 (Climate Action), Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Q10. What is the theme of the 2024 High-Level Political Forum?

A10. The theme is “Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Eradicating Poverty in Times of Multiple Crises: The Effective Delivery of Sustainable, Resilient, and Innovative Solutions.” It emphasizes addressing interconnected global challenges.

Q11. How does Saudi Arabia’s participation align with Vision 2030?

A11. Saudi Arabia’s participation aligns with Vision 2030’s goals of economic diversification, environmental sustainability, and social progress. By integrating Vision 2030 with the SDGs, the Kingdom advances its national development and contributes to global sustainability efforts.

Q12. What is the Saudi Green Initiative?

A12. The Saudi Green Initiative is a national effort to combat climate change, reduce emissions, and promote green development. It includes ambitious targets such as planting 10 billion trees and protecting 30% of land and sea areas.

Q13. What is the Middle East Green Initiative?

A13. The Middle East Green Initiative is a regional effort led by Saudi Arabia to address climate change and environmental challenges across the Middle East. It aims to plant 50 billion trees and enhance regional cooperation on sustainability.

Q14. What is COP16 and why is it important for Saudi Arabia?

A14. COP16 is the 16th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. Saudi Arabia will host it in Riyadh in December 2024, highlighting its leadership in combating desertification and land degradation.

Q15. How many years has Saudi Arabia participated in the HLPF?

A15. Saudi Arabia has participated in the High-Level Political Forum every year since 2017, demonstrating consistent engagement with the global sustainable development agenda and a commitment to international cooperation.

Q16. What is the role of the Royal Commission for AlUla Governorate in the delegation?

A16. The Royal Commission for AlUla Governorate is part of the Saudi delegation, representing efforts to promote sustainable tourism and heritage preservation in AlUla, aligning with the SDGs and Vision 2030.

Q17. What is the Quality of Life Program’s involvement?

A17. The Quality of Life Program is a Vision 2030 initiative aimed at enhancing the living standards of Saudi citizens. Its participation underscores the integration of social and economic development in achieving the SDGs.

Q18. How does the VLR contribute to the SDGs?

A18. The VLR provides a detailed analysis of local progress, identifying gaps and successes. It helps localize the SDGs, ensuring that national efforts are complemented by grassroots initiatives, and fosters accountability and learning.

Q19. What is the significance of the side event on local efforts?

A19. The side event highlights the importance of local actions in achieving the SDGs. It facilitates knowledge exchange and partnerships, showcasing how local initiatives can drive sustainable development and inspire other regions.

Q20. What outcomes are expected from Saudi Arabia’s participation?

A20. Saudi Arabia’s participation is expected to strengthen international partnerships, share best practices, and reaffirm the Kingdom’s commitment to the SDGs.

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