Science-based and inclusive environmental solutions for advancing the SDGs

During this session, the League of Arab States provided an overview of the Sustainable Development Goals to be discussed, including health, gender equality, economic growth, life below water, and partnerships, highlighting their environmental dimension, such as the crucial role of women in addressing desertification and climate change.

ESCWA emphasized the importance of integrating the environmental dimension into sustainable development forums and the need to reprioritize issues in the Arab region. It stressed six key drivers for accelerating progress: food systems, sustainable energy, digitalization, quality education, job creation, and addressing climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss.

The opening session also included an assessment by ESCWA on the Arab region’s progress toward these goals, highlighting data gaps and challenges in tracking them, as well as disparities in advancement among countries. It emphasized the need to strengthen national capacities, harness technology and artificial intelligence for data collection, and tackle setbacks in achieving the goals, particularly in conflict-affected countries.

The session included a presentation from the World Health Organization on the health impacts of environmental conditions in the region, emphasizing the need for an integrated approach that fosters cross-sector collaboration, develops policies linking health and environmental sustainability, and invests in innovative solutions to accelerate progress on sustainable development goals.

The efforts of the Council of Arab Ministers for Health were also presented, including the Arab Strategy for Health and Environment (2017-2030) and the organization of the First Arab Ministerial Forum on Health and Environment. UNEP highlighted key air pollution challenges in the region, such as dust storms, heavy reliance on fossil fuels, and pollution from the transport sector, stressing the importance of regional cooperation and the establishment of a network for air quality to facilitate knowledge exchange and expertise sharing. The Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution addressed the link between conflicts, environmental degradation, and climate change, while Yemen shared its efforts to mitigate environmental and health risks amid prolonged conflicts. The Lebanese Ministry of Environment presented its approach to assessing the environmental impact of Israeli aggression, particularly in managing and sustainably repurposing rubble for reconstruction.

On electronic waste management, Earth's Climate For Sustainable Development Foundation discussed its health risks, the critical role of civil society, and the need for redefining e-waste to enhance its management, including the implementation of extended producer responsibility. Bahrain showcased its initiatives in this field at the policy and institutional levels, alongside efforts to build capacity, raise awareness, and improve data dissemination.

During this session, the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development showcased regional initiatives aimed at empowering women in sustainable environmental and natural resource management. These efforts include establishing a network for Arab women in rural, nomadic, and coastal communities, as well as implementing training programs to enhance economic empowerment and climate adaptation for small-scale female farmers and rural women.

Egypt’s Ministry of Environment highlighted the opportunities available for Arab women in green jobs and the circular economy, emphasizing the importance of guiding young women toward these promising fields across different communities.

The Palestinian Environment Quality Authority shed light on the numerous challenges women face in agriculture and natural resource management, such as lack of land ownership, livestock, and agricultural equipment, limited access to finance and technology, as well as restrictions imposed by the occupation on access to resources and land. The Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) addressed the impact of displacement on natural resources, stressing the importance of leveraging displaced women’s knowledge in resource management and strengthening their capacities to ease both their burden and environmental pressures. ICARDA emphasized the need to empower women and involve them in non-traditional roles in agriculture and natural resource management. The organization also highlighted the importance of clearly defining their roles and strengthening agricultural cooperatives to support their contributions in this field.

During the session, the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport highlighted the economic opportunities in maritime transport, along with environmental and economic challenges. It also reviewed the achievements of the International Maritime Organization in environmental regulations and emphasized the importance of capacity-building in marine resource management through specialized master's programs.

The UAE Ministry of Environment showcased the country’s efforts in marine ecosystem protection, including habitat rehabilitation through coral reef restoration and the use of nature-based solutions like mangrove planting to enhance biodiversity. Meanwhile, Jordan’s Ministry of Environment stressed the importance of regional cooperation and community engagement, highlighting its initiatives in reef rehabilitation and monitoring.

The National Center for Wildlife of Saudi Arabia discussed data-related challenges in marine ecosystem protection, such as difficulties in collecting data in remote waters, analysing large datasets, and the lack of digital infrastructure and unified protocols. The Regional Organization for the Conservation of the Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden (PERSGA) outlined its achievements in marine conservation, including developing habitat survey guides, establishing a network of marine reserves, implementing plans to combat illegal fishing, and promoting a sustainable blue economy with its vast opportunities in the Red Sea. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) focused on its role in fostering collaboration among institutions and experts, assessing species through the Red List, and setting standards for key biodiversity areas. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) shared Lebanon’s experience in balancing the promotion of the blue economy with ensuring the sustainability of marine ecosystems.

During this session, Chemonics Egypt explored the opportunities in green business across the Arab region and their social, economic, and environmental impact. The discussion also highlighted innovative financing mechanisms emerging to support startups and emphasized the critical role of youth empowerment in driving meaningful change and reshaping the economy. The intervention of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Environment focused on pioneering initiatives that generate new job opportunities within the circular economy and the importance of supportive policies for this transition. The discussion also highlighted a national initiative designed to connect innovators with investors, boosting funding opportunities for groundbreaking projects. A researcher specializing in sustainability and green startups stressed the need for stronger regional integration to expand funding access. The discussion underscored the importance of collaboration between universities and entrepreneurs to translate academic research into practical solutions and assess investment in green jobs.  Morocco’s Ministry of Environment shared key developments in sustainable tourism, including adopting sustainability standards for tourism infrastructure, engaging local communities and women’s cooperatives, and strengthening the role of civil society. The discussion also highlighted efforts to promote eco-friendly tourism practices, encouraging visitors to participate in environmental conservation.

During the session, the League of Arab States presented the regional circular economy network established in collaboration with ESCWA and regional and international partners. This platform brings together the public and private sectors, along with civil society, to advance sustainability through legislative reforms and the implementation of circular initiatives in production and consumption. Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development introduced carbon crediting as an emerging financing tool within the "Economy of Love" model, which grants farmers carbon certificates for adopting sustainable practices. The initiative aims to engage 45,000 farmers by 2025. The Sustainable Development and International Cooperation Department at the League of Arab States highlighted key initiatives and platforms supporting sustainable development, including a committee dedicated to eradicating hunger, which introduced a model law to reduce food loss and waste, and another committee focused on supporting conflict-affected countries in aligning sustainable development goals with their national priorities. Additionally, digital platforms for environmental sustainability and youth engagement are developed, alongside preparations for an arab sustainability expo in 2025 and a regional entrepreneurship forum. The Union of Arab Chambers emphasized the role of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards in promoting responsible investment, enhancing transparency, and ensuring financial stability, while outlining practical steps for their adoption across the region. The Libyan Ministry of Environment shared internationally supported projects that contribute to sustainable development, including expanding protected areas, reducing oil-related emissions, transitioning to renewable energy, and improving waste and wastewater management. Similarly, the Tunisian Ministry of Environment showcased national initiatives in collaboration with international organizations, focusing on green entrepreneurship, sustainable textile production, eco-friendly building materials, and waste-to-compost technologies.

During the session, participants were divided into two working groups: the first focused on the key messages related to Goals 3, 5, and 17, while the second addressed Goals 8, 14, and 17. After the group discussions, the outcomes were shared with all participants.

At the conclusion of the meeting, attendees were informed that the key messages would be shared for review before being finalized and submitted to the Arab Forum for Sustainable Development 2025.