The United Arab Emirates (UAE) government delegation engaged in a productive discussion with New York City Mayor Eric Adams on the sidelines of the United Nations High-Level Political Forum (UN HLPF) on Sustainable Development. The meeting aimed to explore opportunities for joint collaboration and expertise exchange in the field of sustainable cities and community enablement, with the common goal of accelerating the achievement of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The meeting, held at the Central New York City Hall, saw the UAE delegation showcasing their extensive experience in community enablement initiatives, which have made a significant cross-border development impact. They also highlighted their involvement in large-scale sustainable development projects in developing countries and experience exchange programs focusing on best government practices with an emphasis on future generations.
During the discussion, the UAE delegation presented their comprehensive approach to achieving the UN SDGs 2030, both at the local and global levels. They provided an overview of the impactful projects implemented by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives across more than 100 countries. Additionally, they emphasized the contributions of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, which has been providing financing aid and soft loan-based development programs since 1971, with a particular focus on supporting climate-vulnerable communities.
The delegation also shared the milestones of the Government Experience Exchange Program, initiated by the UAE government in 2018, which has provided over 30 million hours of work and training, demonstrating the UAE's commitment to fostering sustainable development and empowering communities through practical initiatives.
The meeting allowed Mayor Eric Adams to gain insights into the UAE's exemplary model of cooperation, innovation, and ongoing development across various sectors, such as policies, legislation, infrastructure, services, and government plans, all geared towards a sustainable future.
The UAE delegation also provided a thorough explanation of their mechanisms for activating SDG17, which focuses on fostering partnerships and sharing successful models with other nations. Mayor Adams, in turn, briefed the delegation on his initiatives to promote economic growth in New York City and outlined his strategies for enhancing safety and public health within the city, emphasizing the importance of resilient foundations for the future.
The UAE delegation extended a cordial invitation to Mayor Eric Adams to attend several major international events organized by the UAE, including the highly anticipated World Government Summit. The meeting highlighted the commitment of both the UAE and New York City to advancing sustainable development and fostering partnerships for a better future.
