Qatar highlights progress in implementing SDGs 2030 at HLPF in New York
Doha
Secretary-General of the National Planning Council (NPC) Dr Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Mubarak Al Khalifa presented Qatar's 2025 Voluntary National Review (VNR) at the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Wednesday, July 23.
Through a comprehensive presentation, Dr Al Khalifa outlined the key elements of Qatar's VNR 2025, highlighting the country's progress in implementing the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in alignment with the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy.
He also addressed national priorities and examined the challenges faced in advancing sustainable development.
He said, 'By integrating the Sustainable Development Goals into national strategies, Qatar has successfully laid the foundations for innovation, inclusion and future foresight, driving strategic investments in education, healthcare, workforce development and a green economy.
'This alignment is further enabled by Qatar's leading role as a global convenor of sustainability dialogue, exemplified by its hosting of internationally recognised forums such as the Qatar Economic Forum, the Doha Forum and the Web Summit.
'Qatar's fourth Voluntary National Review encompassed a whole-of-society approach, involving a wide spectrum of stakeholders across non-profit organisations, civil society, academia, the public and private sectors, as well as international and regional organisations. Through three national workshops, the NPC facilitated a participatory process that incorporated interactive tools, open forums and collaborative drafting sessions.'
Commenting on youth engagement in VNR preparation, Dr. Al Khalifa said, 'Youth participation was a central feature, with young people actively engaged in thematic sessions and brainstorming sessions to assess the progress made towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
'I reiterate the words of the Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who emphasised that Qatar will spare no effort in working alongside its international partners and the United Nations to consolidate peace, sustainable development, human rights, and the rule of law at all levels, and to confront global challenges in pursuit of a better future for all.'
He added, 'This underscores Qatar's firm belief that equitable, inclusive, and balanced development lies at the heart of our shared global journey—achieved through a careful balance between economic growth, social development, and environmental protection.'
Dr. Al Khalifa led Qatar's delegation to the HLPF, held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from July 14 to 23.
The Forum convened under the theme: 'Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs for leaving no one behind.'
The HLPF serves as the UN's central platform for reviewing global progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
It brings together heads of member states, international organisations, and civil society to assess performance and accelerate action toward the realisation of the SDGs.
On Monday, July 21, Dr. Al Khalifa delivered Qatar's statement before the HLPF, in which he said, 'As the United Nations approaches its 80th anniversary, Qatar remains committed to the core principles of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This commitment is deeply embedded in our national development framework, Qatar National Vision 2030, and actively realised through the implementation of our Third National Development Strategy (2024–2030). Anchored in determination, the strategy aims to transform global commitments into measurable national progress.'
He added, 'Qatar fully recognises that the path to sustainable development cannot be pursued in isolation and that it requires global cooperation. Qatar continues to deepen its engagement with the United Nations and its specialised agencies. As host of the UN House in Doha, we are proud to collaborate with agencies such as UNDP, UNICEF, OCHA, and IOM to advance global development, humanitarian response, and capacity-building initiatives.'
He also participated in a side panel titled 'Demographic Resilience and Sustainable Development', where he underscored the importance of proactively preparing for demographic shifts through foresight, inclusion, and data-driven strategies.
Dr. Al Khalifa also took part in a high-level session on Adequate Housing for All, where he delivered closing remarks, highlighting Qatar's comprehensive housing policies and their central role in preparation for the World Summit for Social Development to be hosted in Doha next November.
He also engaged in high-level discussions on the economic opportunities emerging from the global transition to clean energy.
The NPC secretary-general held bilateral meetings to explore avenues for cooperation in sustainable development.
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