Arabic SDG Countries

Written by Dr Wassef Y. EL ABED

In 2024, the situation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across the Arab world is marked by both progress and significant challenges. The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), through the Arab Sustainable Development Report 2024, highlights key areas where Arab countries have advanced, as well as ongoing obstacles in reaching the SDG targets.

Key Challenges:

1. SDG 1 (No Poverty): Poverty levels remain high in several countries, particularly those affected by conflict and economic instability such as Yemen, Syria, and Sudan. The Arab region has one of the highest poverty rates, especially in rural areas.
2. SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): Food security remains a major issue, with around 69 million people undernourished in the region. Conflict zones and climate change have exacerbated food scarcity, particularly in Yemen and parts of the Levant.
3. SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation): Access to clean water continues to be a challenge for many countries, particularly those with limited freshwater resources. Some countries have made strides in improving water management, but many still face severe shortages, particularly in rural areas.
4. SDG 13 (Climate Action): The region is highly vulnerable to climate change, facing issues such as desertification, water scarcity, and rising temperatures. Despite this, many Arab countries have been slow to implement climate resilience strategies or transition to greener economies.
5. SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions): Political instability, conflict, and weak governance remain significant barriers to achieving this goal. Countries like Libya, Yemen, and Syria face the most severe challenges due to ongoing conflicts and fragile institutions.

Progress and Opportunities:

1. SDG 4 (Quality Education): Several Arab countries have made improvements in education, with a focus on increasing access to education, especially for girls and young women. However, quality remains an issue in many countries, with disparities between urban and rural education systems.
2. SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar, have made substantial investments in renewable energy, particularly solar energy, and are working towards reducing their dependency on fossil fuels.
3. SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): While many countries have struggled with high unemployment rates, especially among youth, initiatives aimed at economic diversification and entrepreneurship have been launched in several states. The UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia are notable examples of countries working toward more sustainable economic models.
4. SDG 5 (Gender Equality): Some progress has been made toward gender equality, particularly in countries like Tunisia, Morocco, and the UAE, where women’s participation in the workforce and political sphere has increased. However, cultural and legal barriers still exist in other parts of the region.
5. SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Urban development in the GCC countries has increasingly incorporated sustainability principles, focusing on smart cities, public transportation, and green building initiatives.

Conflict-Affected Countries:

Countries such as Yemen, Syria, and Libya face the most severe challenges across nearly all SDGs due to prolonged conflict, political instability, and destruction of infrastructure. These nations are struggling with poverty, hunger, healthcare, and access to clean water and education.

Conclusion:

Overall, while there have been important strides in certain areas, the Arab region still faces significant barriers to achieving the SDGs by 2030. Major obstacles include conflict, economic inequality, environmental degradation, and governance challenges. Collaborative regional efforts, along with international support, are critical to accelerating progress​(UN ESCWA)​(Arab Sustainable Development Goals Index).