Commentary: The UAE and the Sustainable Development Goals: Leaving no one behind

On April 9, 2018, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was announced as the world's largest donor of official development aid (ODA), relative to its gross national income, for the fifth consecutive year.

According to a report by the Paris-based Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the UAE gave US$5.26 billion worth of development assistance in 2017, making up of 1.31 percent of its national income. Development assistance provided by the UAE grew by 18.1 percent compared to 2016.

But these figures enclose much more than just financial support; they are a reflection of UAE's commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries — developed and developing — in a global partnership.

Due to the great importance attributed to SDGs, the UAE created its National Committee on SDGs in early 2017 in charge of overseeing and reporting on progress concerning the National SDGs Implementation Plan. The Committee also works towards ensuring national SDG priorities are aligned with the long-term development agenda of the country.

Although UAE's foreign aid contributes to all SDGs, UAE's foreign assistance policy focuses on eight of them which are: Goal 1 - No Poverty; Goal 4 – Quality Education; Goal 5 – Gender Equality; Goal 8 – Decent work and Economic Growth; Goal 9 – Industry, innovation and infrastructure; Goal 10 – Reduced inequalities; Goal 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong institutions; and Goal 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.

SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being

One of UAE's initiatives has been the support provided to the polio eradication program. In addition to the US$120 million that His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan pledged in 2013, he pledged a further USD 30 million to polio eradication in June 2017. With additional commitments in 2011 and 2014, in total, the UAE has contributed US$167.8 million since 2011 to help end polio, with direct support to Pakistan, Afghanistan, Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Sudan.

SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy

In the field of renewable energy, the UAE has supported many countries and has become a pioneer globally. One example of this support was the launch in 2016, of a US$50.0 million in grant financing to the UAE-Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund.

It's worth mentioning that the UAE-CREF builds upon the success that the UAE has made in renewable energy sector in 11 Pacific countries under the USD 50-million UAE-Pacific Partnership Fund which was launched in 2013.

In September 2018, the UAE announced that it was proceeding with grants totaling US$34.5 million (AED126.7 million) to fund renewable energy projects in the Caribbean which will be built to withstand Category-5 hurricanes for enhanced resilience.

UAE Technical Assistance Programme (UAETAP)

Through the UAE Technical Assistance Programme, the UAE supports areas and addressed systemic issues critical to achieving the SDGs such as Mobility and Infrastructure Development, Energy and Sustainability, Government Effectiveness, Services, and Women and Girls Empowerment. These areas were determined based on UAE's areas of expertise and on the importance of capacity development and knowledge-sharing to increase the effectiveness of other forms of assistance and to boost development and innovation. The programme several programmes including expert missions, training courses and scholarships, customized programmes and study visits/training tours.

UAE as a regional role model UAE's focus on sustainable development is also evidenced in the areas prioritized by the UAE leadership internally.

Nationally, SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 11 (Reduced Inequalities) are highlighted as priority sectors and pillars in key policy and strategy documents, such as the UAE Vision 2021, UAE Innovation Strategy, UAE Green Agenda 2015-2030, and UAE Energy Plan 2050.

Let's take as an example UAE's efforts in the accomplishment of SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and its initiatives for women empowerment in Emirati society.

In May 2015, the government adopted a decision to establish UAE Gender Balance Council to ensure that Emirati women continue to play a leading role in the development of the UAE. The Council will support the UAE's vision to become one of the world's top 25 countries for gender equality by 2021.

On 8 March 2015, Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Chairwoman of General Women's Union (GWU) launched National Strategy for Empowerment of Emirati Women in the UAE for 2015-2021 (WAM). The strategy provides a framework for government, private sector and civil society organisations to establish work plans to position the UAE among the most advanced countries in the area of women's empowerment.

Among the 29 ministers of the new government, eight are women, constituting almost 27 percent of the total ministers. Women ministers handle the new portfolios of tolerance, happiness and youth. The participation of women in the UAE Cabinet is amongst the highest in the world, reflecting the strong position reached by the Emirati women.

Due to its advancements in tolerance, innovation, education, and healthcare, the UAE has become a role model in the region and across the world and an example not only because of its economic development but also because of its social advancements and contributions to matters of international concern such as the accomplishment of the SDGs and the UN Agenda.

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