Digital Dubai announced recently that it has signed the contribution agreement for Dubai’s entry into the SDG Cities Global Initiative, under the umbrella of the United Nations Human Settlements Program. Digital Dubai will oversee the city’s integration into the initiative, reinforcing Dubai’s position in advancing global efforts and shaping a comprehensive international approach that benefits societies worldwide.
Commitment to UN’s 2030 SDGs
Dubai’s entry into the SDG Cities Global Initiative was achieved with the active involvement of 13 local government entities that demonstrated their commitment to the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The entities emphasized their dedication to adopting the best global practices. Moreover, they committed to developing innovative policies that improve the quality of life while preserving natural resources.
“Sustainability has always been an integral component of our strategies and programs reflecting the vision and directives of our wise leadership to shape a brighter future. We are proud that Dubai is one of the first cities in the region to join the SDG Cities Global Initiative, in collaboration with the United Nations Human Settlements Program,” stated Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, director-general of Digital Dubai.
Initiative’s seven key areas
Dubai’s entry into the SDG Cities Global Initiative reflects its keenness to foster a culture of sustainability across all sectors. In addition, it reflects its alignment with the future vision of sustainability and a strong commitment to the initiative’s goals.
The SDG Cities Global Initiative includes seven key areas. The first is enhancing the quality of life through existing innovative projects, improving infrastructure and providing better services to the community.
The initiative’s second clause focuses on enhancing environmental sustainability through effective plans to preserve natural resources and reduce carbon emissions. This will advance Dubai’s position as an environmentally friendly city.
In addition, the third clause focuses on stimulating the green economy by supporting sustainable economic initiatives. It also encompasses fostering entrepreneurship and promoting innovation in green sectors. Meanwhile, the fourth clause focuses on enhancing collaboration and partnerships among government, private and civil society organizations to achieve sustainable development goals.
The SDG Cities Global Initiative’s fifth clause involves developing an integrated urban monitoring framework to assess urban performance.
The sixth clause pertains to SDG certificates for cities. Dubai aims to achieve high levels of compliance with global sustainability standards by pursuing these certificates.
Finally, the seventh clause involves producing the voluntary local reviews (VLR) report. This report reinforces Dubai’s commitment to transparency and accountability in achieving the SDGs.
Digitization to promote sustainability
Digitization and modern technologies play vital roles in promoting the culture of sustainability and ensuring adherence to global standards across Dubai. “This initiative is not just a step towards achieving sustainable goals, it is a key component of a broader vision aiming at enhancing Dubai’s position as one of the most sustainable and innovative cities in the world,” Al Mansoori added.
Digital Dubai’s journey unveiled how integrating artificial intelligence and data-driven technologies plays a significant role in advancing sustainability. These technologies offer innovative solutions and services that reduce emissions and improve the quality of life.
“Through this productive collaboration that comes in the Year of Sustainability, we aim to make significant strides in urban, economic, environmental, social, and cultural sustainability,” stated Younus Al Nasser, chief executive of Dubai Data & Statistics Establishment – Digital Dubai.
The urban monitoring framework that the Dubai Data & Statistics Establishment developed will also allow the city to accurately assess the emirate’s performance. Moreover, it will ensure that Dubai continues to lead globally in driving positive change.
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Plans and strategies to achieve initiative goals
To achieve the objectives of the SDG Cities Global Initiative, Dubai is implementing a set of plans and strategies. This includes the Dubai Urban Plan 2040. This plan outlines a comprehensive approach to sustainable urban development. It emphasizes a human-centric focus that seeks to improve the quality of life and boost the emirate’s global competitiveness.
Meanwhile, the Dubai Economic and Social Agenda 33 aims to drive comprehensive economic and social development. It also aims to improve the quality of life in Dubai and promote sustainability.
Furthermore, Digital Dubai, in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union and the United Nations International Computing Center, launched the ‘Discovering the CityVerse’ initiative. This joint global initiative aims to leverage the role of innovation and virtual technologies in realizing the United Nations’ SDGs.
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