Maisaa Youssef
Moderator
Networking Event organized by UN-ESCWA in cooperation with UN-Habitat and WHO to explore the recently issued Arab Sustainable Development Report (ASDR 2024): key policy directions and regional dimensions in support to SDG 11 and SDG integration.
The Arab Sustainable Development Report (ASDR) is a flagship publication produced by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) and other UN regional agencies to support the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Arab region.
Building on ASDR 2020, which analyzed structural barriers and solutions to overcome them, ASDR 2024 highlights policy directions in priority areas for achieving the 17 SDGs in the 22 Arab countries, using national policy examples.
The report also:
• identifies policy gaps and opportunities for further progress;
• highlights regional action in support of achieving the SDGs;
• profiles the financing landscape of each SDG;
• showcases national policies aiming to leave no one behind.
You can navigate through the report on the following user-friendly interactive website (forthcoming): https://asdr-2024.unescwa.org/
This WUF-12 Networking Event will engage national policymakers, Mayors of Arab cities, UN partners and other regional, national and local stakeholders to delve into key policy directions and regional dimensions in support to SDG 11 and SDG integration, such as: SDG localization, urban observatories and monitoring systems to accelerate local data collection and measure progress on sustainable urban development; Regional networks of cities and local governments to support the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and of the New Urban Agenda through capacity building, experience sharing and peer review; Healthy cities and smart cities initiatives, focusing on interlinkages among SDGs and partnerships that contribute to achieving SDG 11 and to urban resilience.
• Present ASDR 2024 findings related to SDG 11 and interlinkages with other SDGs (local action);
• Promote best available practices and local experiences from national policymakers, Mayors of Arab Municipalities, representatives of local governments and authorities, and other stakeholders;
• Raise awareness of and engage with multiple stakeholders on urban sustainability issues and related policies in the Arab region and countries, inviting them to commit for and pursue efforts towards transformative action.