A delegation from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) participated in the Knowledge Lab at the country’s pavilion during Expo Osaka, which runs from April 13 to October 13, 2025. The event showcased the UAE’s strategic initiatives and its leading role in supporting global efforts to achieve sustainable development goals, fostering international dialogue, and building strategic partnerships aimed at shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future.
The sessions highlighted pioneering national experiences, innovative solutions, and forward-looking visions for the period beyond 2030, demonstrating the UAE’s commitment to sustaining global initiatives focused on comprehensive and sustainable development.
This participation was part of a series of dialogue sessions organized by the Knowledge Exchange Office within the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, in collaboration with the National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals, during the “Sustainable Development Goals Week and Beyond: Future Community for Life” in the Knowledge Lab.
The UAE delegation included distinguished members from global councils focused on sustainable development goals, led by Hessa Bint Issa Bouhmaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority and Vice President of the Global Council on Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities). The delegation also included teams from the Knowledge Exchange Office and the General Secretariat of the National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals, which focuses on Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Additionally, the delegation comprised Hamoud Al Junaibi, Deputy Secretary-General of the Emirates Red Crescent and Vice President of the Global Council on Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), Marwan bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality and Vice President of the Global Council on Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and Mohammed Al Shamsi, Chief Sustainability and Climate Change Officer at Dubai Electricity and Water Authority and Vice President of the Global Council on Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).
International Efforts
Hessa Bouhmaid emphasized that the UAE’s participation in this global event reflects its unwavering commitment to collaboration and collective action. She stated that achieving sustainability can only be accomplished through collective international efforts. By showcasing the UAE’s national experiences and achievements in community development and individual empowerment, the country aims to contribute positively to global discussions and inspire nations in their pursuit of a fairer, more inclusive, and sustainable future.
Real Partnerships
Abdullah Nasser Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Knowledge Exchange, and Head of the National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals, remarked, “The UAE’s involvement in Expo 2025 Osaka continues our leading role in building real partnerships that translate global goals into realities that positively impact communities.”
He added that through the Knowledge Exchange program, the UAE presents leading national models demonstrating that innovation and partnerships are the true drivers for creating a more sustainable future.
The sessions embodied the objectives of the Knowledge Exchange program and illustrated the overarching theme of Expo Osaka 2025, “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.” They emphasized the importance of global collaboration in advancing sustainable development goals, particularly in human capital, sustainability, and innovation in government services.
In line with the UAE’s strong vision to leverage international partnerships as a driving force for achieving sustainable development goals, the Knowledge Exchange Office and the National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals organized a series of discussions and events, reflecting their commitment to fulfilling Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) and promoting a multilateral cooperation approach.
National Initiatives
The UAE, through the platform of the global councils for sustainable development goals, showcased a range of successful national initiatives and international partnerships that have demonstrated the ability to make a tangible impact across various countries by sharing experiences, transferring knowledge, and adopting innovative governance and development models.
The meetings gathered a select group of decision-makers and experts from governments, international organizations, the private sector, and civil society, as well as delegations from countries participating in the Knowledge Exchange program, including Oman, Montenegro, Serbia, Pakistan, Indonesia, Malta, and Japan.
The sessions organized by the Knowledge Exchange program, entitled “Government Knowledge Exchange in the Field: Success Stories That Make a Global Impact” and “Emirates Knowledge Labs – Accelerating Innovation in Government Services,” illustrated that the UAE’s experience in building partnerships represents a global model for translating international cooperation into real results that support the 2030 Agenda and create new opportunities for sustainable growth.
Together for Impact
The General Secretariat of the National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals conducted a session titled “Together for Impact: Enhancing Government Partnerships to Achieve Goal 17,” which highlighted the crucial role of Goal 17 in accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
This session extended the outcomes of the 2025 High-Level Political Forum, which called for fair, innovative, and coordinated action to achieve inclusive development worldwide.
Looking Beyond 2030
The session titled “Extended Development Indicators 2045: Shaping the Future of Global Development” focused on a global dialogue regarding the future of development after 2030, emphasizing the roles of bold policies, inclusive leadership, and innovative partnerships in crafting a new development agenda.
Hessa Bouhmaid
Showcasing our national experiences in community development and individual empowerment.
Abdullah Lootah
Pioneering models demonstrate that innovation and partnerships are the key drivers of creating a more sustainable future.