“Let me be frank: we’re not doing nicely. Our progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has faltered and even regressed on some vital targets, leaving many behind,” she stated in her opening remarks to the Arab Forum for Sustainable Development (AFSD) in Beirut, Lebanon. This candid recognition of the situation underlines the urgent need for action and accountability in meeting global sustainability benchmarks.

World leaders adopted the 17 SDGs in 2015, establishing a roadmap for a more just, equitable, and environmentally friendly future by 2030. As nations reach the halfway mark, Ms. Mohammed emphasized the necessity for an honest evaluation to identify necessary course corrections. This ensures that countries can effectively strategize and implement policies that align with the SDGs, fostering a collective commitment to sustainable growth.

Addressing the Threats to Sustainable Development

She highlighted how the COVID-19 pandemic, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and the “triple planetary crisis”—comprising climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution—have severely impacted lives and livelihoods across the globe. These crises have resulted in significant setbacks, particularly in the Arab region, where rising poverty levels are nearing 50% in the poorer nations and escalating food insecurity is a pressing concern. The recent devastating earthquakes in Syria and Türkiye have exacerbated the existing challenges, intensifying the humanitarian crisis.

“Unless we act now, all these factors may put the promise of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals far out of reach for this region and the rest of the world,” she stated emphatically. “We require an urgent review of how policy decisions and investments can realign the region’s trajectory toward sustainable development.”

Implementing an SDG Stimulus Plan for Recovery

Ms. Mohammed stated that despite these formidable challenges, the Arab region has made notable strides toward sustainable growth in areas such as renewable energy, internet access, and social security, which should serve as sources of inspiration for the path ahead. These advancements highlight the potential for innovation and collaboration to foster a resilient and sustainable future.

However, she pointed out that the collective debt burden of nations in the region has skyrocketed, reflecting the dire state of the “broken” global financial system. This situation underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms to address financial inequities and promote sustainable economic growth.

She recalled that the UN Secretary-General has outlined urgent and necessary reforms to the international financial structure, while also advocating for a $500 billion annual Stimulus Plan dedicated to achieving the SDGs. This financial support is crucial for revitalizing efforts and ensuring that nations can meet their sustainability targets effectively.

Pushing for Climate Action and Gender Equality

Ms. Mohammed underscored the critical need for robust climate action, noting the region’s vulnerability to increasingly severe droughts and sandstorms, which are anticipated to worsen with global warming. The upcoming COP28 UN Climate Change Conference in the United Arab Emirates represents a pivotal moment for global leaders to reach a consensus on accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels, both regionally and globally. This transition is essential for mitigating the impacts of climate change and fostering a sustainable environment.

Furthermore, she emphasized that while sustainable development is vital, a crucial aspect—gender equality—often remains overlooked. “The math is simple. Without the contributions of half their members, societies will only fulfill half their potential,” she asserted. “We need the full participation of all individuals to weather the current storms and create inclusive, sustainable economies and societies for the future.”

Engaging the Private Sector for Sustainable Development

During another AFSD event, Ms. Mohammed highlighted the significance of the private sector—from micro-enterprises to multinational corporations—in realizing a sustainable future. She warned, “The SDGs will fail without the private sector.” This statement underscores the urgency for powerful partnerships that invest in transitions essential for accelerating growth and getting the SDGs back on track.

She further explained that the business community can play a crucial role in bridging the financing gap necessary to achieve the goals by 2030, which has been estimated to exceed $660 billion annually across 12 Arab nations. Even though private capital is abundant, she noted that only a small percentage aligns with the SDGs. The challenge lies in mobilizing both domestic and international private capital to help close this financing gap.

She also pointed out positive trends, as recent corporate finance deals have demonstrated a shift toward sustainability within the region, particularly in sectors like renewable energy, water, and transportation. However, investments in social infrastructure, services, equality, peace, and justice remain insufficient. Addressing these gaps is essential for achieving comprehensive sustainable development.

Actions of the Deputy Secretary-General at AFSD

The Arab Forum for Sustainable Development (AFSD), which concludes on Thursday, is organized by the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), headquartered in Beirut. Prior to the forum’s opening, the Deputy Secretary-General met with the AFSD-2023 Chair, Waed Badhib, Yemen’s Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, to discuss collaborative efforts.

She also held a press conference on Tuesday alongside the ESCWA Executive Secretary, Rola Dashti, and Mr. Badhib. This gathering facilitated a dialogue on the pressing issues facing the region and the collective actions needed to address them.

Ms. Mohammed, along with UN Resident Coordinators from the Arab region, later visited a community kitchen in Beirut set up by the Lebanese Union for People with Physical Disabilities. This initiative, known as the “Access Kitchen,” is supported by UN Women under a joint program with the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF). During this visit, she listened to the challenges faced by women and girls with disabilities in Lebanon and their resilience amid the multiple crises affecting the country. She actively participated in meal preparation, engaging with the community to understand their needs better.

Additionally, Ms. Mohammed discussed with Coordinators the best strategies to accelerate momentum towards achieving sustainable development ahead of the SDG Summit at UN Headquarters in New York this September. This dialogue is crucial for aligning global efforts and ensuring a unified approach to tackling sustainability challenges.