Amid mounting regional challenges across the Arab region, including the impact of conflict, the Arab Forum for Sustainable Development 2026 (AFSD-2026) online sessions concluded today with a set of key messages calling for accelerated action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the region. Participants stressed the importance of strengthening regional cooperation to address the impacts of conflicts and climate-related challenges, support the transition towards more inclusive and sustainable cities, and empower women, youth, and micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises. These messages will be submitted to the 2026 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF-2026) in New York and to the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) next June.
Held over four days on 12, 14, 19, and 21 May, the sessions brought together high-level representatives from governments and parliaments, alongside regional and international organizations, civil society, the private sector, audit institutions, academia, and research centers.
The discussions focused on the SDGs under review in 2026, with particular attention to the impact of conflicts on development progress and mechanisms to strengthen regional resilience. The sessions also reflected the overarching theme of the 2026 HLPF: "Transformative, equitable, innovative and coordinated actions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its SDGs for a sustainable future for all."
Discussions on the first day focused on SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, emphasizing the urgent need to strengthen water security, promote inclusive water governance, develop innovative solutions to water scarcity, build resilient agrifood systems, and enhance regional cooperation.
Sessions on the second day examined progress and challenges related to SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, regional trends emerging from the midterm review of the New Urban Agenda, and ways to support micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises through improved business environments.
On the third day, participants reviewed the findings of the "Gender Gap in the Arab Region 2025" report and discussed progress towards SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, as well as integrated water-energy-food-ecosystems solutions to strengthen sustainability and resilience.
The series concluded on the fourth day with discussions on sustainable transport for all through gender- and disability-responsive approaches, as well as the impact of conflict on infrastructure under SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, including damage to energy, water, agriculture, and transport sectors across the Arab region. Discussions also explored the future of work in the Arab region in light of artificial intelligence and evolving employment pathways.
