The conclusion of the Arab Forum for Sustainable Development under the title “Restoring Hope, Raising Ambition”
Conclusion of the Arab Forum for Sustainable Development under the title"Restoring Hope, Raising Ambition"
In the endeavorEarth Guardstowards strengthening international activities related to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a few days ago, she highlighted the holding of theArab Forum for Sustainable Development for the year 2025, exploring aspects of constructive cooperation between Arab countries, and exploring ways of Arab empowerment in the field of sustainability, in order to achieve Arab leadership. Due.
Today, you are eagerly following the latest recommendations and decisions of the Forum, after its activities concluded the day before yesterday - Wednesday - in the Lebanese capital - Beirut - under the title “Restoring Hope, Raising Ambition”, which was organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), in cooperation between it and the League of Arab States, and under the patronage of the President of the Lebanese Republic; General Joseph Aoun.
The forum brought together more than 300 participants, including government officials, representatives of civil society, academic institutions, and experts from all Arab countries. This is in order to evaluate progress in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the Arab level, and to propose solutions that would accelerate this path in accordance with current global changes.
This forum was not only a dialogue forum, but rather constituted a strategic platform to raise pivotal issues and present bold visions to redraw the features of development in the Arab world, going beyond rhetoric to actual adherence to clear action agendas that are truly committed to joint action, work to reduce inequalities, and contribute to promoting justice and building strong institutions.
A message that goes beyond slogans
In her speech to the audience, Rula Dashti - Executive Secretary of ESCWA - stressed that the forum’s title must be translated into an actual commitment to action, stressing that “restoring hope, raising ambition” is not just a state of feeling, but rather a call to protect human dignity. She added: “Arab stories are full of hope and creative initiatives despite crises, and ambition must be transformed into concrete policies that enhance inclusion and support the most vulnerable groups.”
The forum devoted a large portion of its discussions to major technological transformations, especially artificial intelligence and technological armament, as participants pointed to the potential geopolitical dangers of these technologies, including the use of modern technology in conflicts, especially in the war on Gaza.
Accordingly, the Forum recommended launching collective Arab initiatives at the international level; To control technological armament, and establish principles governing the use of technology in the service of peace, and not in the service of disputes and conflicts. He also stressed the need to establish new diplomatic alliances that strengthen the position of Arab countries in negotiations and international pressure for the benefit of peoples and human rights everywhere.
Justice, Equality, Climate Action
In an equally important topic, the forum participants discussed the interrelationship between family law and the rest of the legal frameworks, stressing the need of the world - especially the Arab world - for comprehensive reviews of laws related to women and the family, in accordance with the principles of justice and dignity.
The forum also called for investing in human potential in all its categories, and preserving the diversity of the Arab social fabric as a developmental and cultural value, stressing the importance of financial inclusion, which is a pillar of economic growth, while paying attention to the role of development banks and regional funds in expanding the scope of development support.
In turn, Ahmed Aboul Gheit - Secretary-General of the League of Arab States - explained that environmental and economic challenges and conflicts hinder sustainable development efforts in the Arab region, and there is an Arab will to transform crises into opportunities, and this is by strengthening regional cooperation and investing in the sectors of renewable energy, education, and the green economy.
The closing sessions of the forum did not ignore the financial aspect, as they touched on the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, which will be held in Seville - next June - as an opportunity to restructure the global financial system to ensure the flow of resources towards the countries most in need.
In the same context, Rola Dashti praised initiatives such as “Swapping Debt for Climate Action,” which is led by ESCWA; Because they are creative tools that allow transforming debt burdens into environmental and development opportunities, especially in fragile countries such as Lebanon, Yemen and Sudan.
In conclusion,Earth Guards affirms its commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), by highlighting their various issues and dimensions, while providing innovative visions that help Arab societies build a more balanced and equitable future.
