At the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in 2023, the Royal Commission for Riyadh City made significant strides in showcasing how its bid to host Expo 2030 aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and supports the overarching objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. The Saudi Press Agency reported this noteworthy development on Wednesday, highlighting the Commission's commitment to sustainability and its dedication to fostering a more prosperous and eco-friendly future.
This momentous event brought together Saudi Arabia and 38 other nations, providing them with a platform to present their ongoing efforts in implementing the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and achieving the SDGs. Each participating country detailed its initiatives and achievements in pursuing a more sustainable and equitable future.
The forum's proceedings and the outcomes of these collective endeavors will be diligently evaluated by the Bureau International des Expositions, the governing body responsible for overseeing and regulating international expos. This esteemed authority will ultimately select the winning bid for hosting Expo 2030, an event of global significance that fosters collaboration and showcases innovative solutions to pressing global challenges.
Riyadh City's bid to host Expo 2030 is an integral part of Saudi Arabia's wider sustainability efforts, driven by the transformative Saudi Vision 2030. This visionary plan aims to diversify the country's economy, reduce its dependence on oil revenues, and enhance the quality of life for its citizens while ensuring the prudent utilization of resources and the preservation of its natural heritage.
Emphasizing the significance of Expo 2030 as a platform for promoting sustainable development, the Royal Commission for Riyadh City highlighted the city's commitment to creating a showcase that aligns with the UN's SDGs. By leveraging the Expo as a catalyst for progress, Riyadh intends to contribute to global efforts in areas such as environmental conservation, innovation, and social inclusion.
Furthermore, this year's forum took place at the United Nations headquarters in New York and was hosted by the Economic and Social Council of the organization. Running from July 10 to 19, the event centered around the theme "Accelerating the recovery from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at all levels."
In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, which posed unprecedented challenges to global development, the forum offered an opportunity for nations to demonstrate their resilience and determination in advancing the SDGs despite the pandemic's impact. It underscored the crucial role of sustainable development in building back better and creating a more resilient and equitable future for all.
Saudi Arabia's active participation in this forum reflects the country's unwavering commitment to sustainability and its dedication to playing a vital role in addressing global challenges. By aligning its national vision with the global agenda, Saudi Arabia continues to showcase its proactive stance in shaping a sustainable and prosperous future for its citizens and the world at large.