Dubai: The UAE Government has launched the third cohort of the Global Councils on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as part of the 12th World Government Summit 2025, held in Dubai from February 11th to 13th under the theme 'Shaping Future Governments'.
According to Emirates News Agency, the launch took place during a high-level ministerial roundtable chaired by Ohood Bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and the Future and Chair of the Global Councils on Sustainable Development Goals. The event saw participation from Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Knowledge Exchange and Vice Chair of the Global Councils on SDGs, along with 18 Council Chairs from 17 countries and 17 Vice Chairs from the UAE.
Ohood Al Roumi highlighted that, under the guidance of the UAE's leadership, the nation continues to enhance efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by focusing on readiness and practical opportunities to double achievements and empower governments to drive sustainable development. Since its inception in 2018 through the World Governments Summit platform, the ongoing work of the Global Councils on SDGs reflects the UAE's commitment to accelerating international cooperation for achieving development goals.
Abdulla Nasser Lootah stated that under the directives of the UAE's leadership, the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals is launching the third cohort of the Global Councils on SDGs through the World Governments Summit platform. This initiative provides a system for forecasting the future of sustainable development efforts. It serves as a strategic step to enhance international cooperation and add a dimension to national efforts by expanding knowledge partnerships with partner countries in the Government Experience Exchange Programme.
The National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals has launched the third edition of the Global Councils, adopting a model that brings together decision-makers and thought leaders from 17 partner governments worldwide. These governments are strategically partnered with the UAE through the Government Experience Exchange Programme, covering areas such as government research and development, investment, energy, environment, agriculture, advanced technology, and green and blue economies.
The initiative aims to accelerate SDG implementation, address global issues, highlight international priorities, and strengthen the development agenda through the SDGs in Action Forum at the World Governments Summit. It fosters experience exchange and best practices in sustainability to promote international collaboration and drive progress towards the 2030 Agenda and beyond.
Ohood Bint Khalfan Al Roumi will chair the Global Councils from 2025 to 2026, with Abdulla Nasser Lootah serving as Vice Chair. Each council will operate as an independent working group, comprising a Chair, a Vice Chair, and council members. To strengthen partnerships in the Global Councils on SDGs for progress at both national and international levels, 17 senior UAE government officials have been appointed as Vice Chairs of the councils. These officials, including Directors-General and Undersecretaries, represent the UAE's practices and ensure that national perspectives align with the needs and aspirations of various communities.
