https://arab.news/yxad3
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Economy and Planning has signed an agreement with the UN Development Programme to enhance economic and social policy planning, with a focus on sustainable development.
The deal, signed by Hattan Bin Samman, general supervisor for international organizations at the Ministry of Economy and Planning, and Nahid Hussein, UNDP resident representative for Saudi Arabia, aims to advance the Kingdom’s efforts under Vision 2030.
The partnership will bolster national policy development and enhance the exchange of expertise in sustainable development, supporting the Kingdom’s ongoing commitment to achieving its economic and social aspirations, according to a press release.
“This cooperation comes as part of the Kingdom's commitment to promoting sustainable economic and social development, and achieving its national aspirations under Saudi Vision 2030, which contributes to developing national policies and strengthening institutional competencies,” the release added.
The signing ceremony, attended by key officials including Faisal Al-Ibrahim, minister of Economy and Planning, Achim Steiner, UNDP administrator, and Ammar Nagadi, vice minister of Economy and Planning, also emphasized the role of collaboration in strengthening institutional competencies and showcasing national achievements on the global stage.
This initiative further highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainable economic growth and development as part of its long-term strategy.
It also coincides with Riyadh hosting COP16, reinforcing the Kingdom’s leadership in sustainable development and highlighting the importance of international collaboration in addressing global challenges.
The agreement aligns with Saudi Arabia’s leadership at COP16, where the Kingdom has emphasized global cooperation to address critical environmental issues such as drought and desertification.
Abdulrahman Al-Fadli, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Environment and incoming COP16 president, highlighted the need for collective action during his opening remarks on the first day of the conference, themed “Our Land. Our Future,” running from Dec. 2 to 13 in Riyadh.
Throughout the event, Saudi Arabia highlighted its aim to foster collaboration and secure concrete outcomes from COP16 by establishing a “Friends of the Chair” group tasked with drafting the Riyadh Policy Declaration, a key outcome document of the conference.
UNDP is the UN’s lead agency for international development. The organization supports countries and communities in their efforts to eradicate poverty, implement the Paris Agreement on climate change, and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. It advocates for transformative change and connects nations with the resources necessary to help people build better lives.