The UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) has published an overview of progress made on the 17 SDGs, 169 targets, and their associated indicators in the Arab region. The report highlights key achievements, identifies gaps, and offers strategies for accelerating SDG implementation.

Titled, ‘Progress Towards the Sustainable Development Goals in the Arab Region in 2026,’ the report outlines “notable advancements” on SDG 1 (no poverty), SDG 3 (good health and well-being), and SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation). At the same time, it notes, political instability, economic disparity, and resource scarcity hinder progress in achieving SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth), SDG 10 (reduced inequalities), SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production), SDG 13 (climate action), SDG 15 (life on land), and SDG 17 (partnerships for the Goals).

The report emphasizes the need for robust data collection, policy alignment, and cross-sector partnerships to close the SDG gap in the region. It calls for “concentrated action across key transformation pathways, including sustainable food systems, energy transition, digital transformation, quality education and skills development, decent jobs and social protection, and climate and biodiversity action.” These pathways are in alignment with the findings of the 2023 Global Sustainable Development Report (GSDR). Integrated national strategies, backed by institutional capacity, coherent policies, and sustainable financing, need to drive these transformations, according to the report.

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The report underscores the foundational role of data in supporting effective policymaking, accountability, and “course correction,” and acknowledges that SDG data availability in the region has improved. Warning that significant gaps still persist, it calls for strengthening national statistical systems through sustainable financing, modernization, and regional cooperation for evidence-based decision making and effective monitoring of SDG progress.

The progress report will inform the discussions at the 2026 Arab Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (RFSD), which was originally scheduled to take place in Beirut, Lebanon, from 21-23 April, but has since been postponed due to conflict, with new dates and venue to be announced.

To ensure the Arab region’s voice is represented at the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) in July, ESCWA is convening a series of online preparatory sessions in May 2026. These sessions will address the five SDGs undergoing in-depth reviews at HLPF 2026 – SDG 6, SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy), SDG 9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure), SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities), and SDG 17.

Another ESCWA report that will support deliberations at the Arab RFSD and HLPF 2026, particularly with regard to SDG 9 review, focuses on national and regional policies governing artificial intelligence (AI) through the lens of social inclusion. Titled, ‘Annual SDG Review 2026: Artificial Intelligence Policies for Social Inclusion in the Arab Region,’ it presents a case study of current and planned AI uses in Arab countries, risk mitigation measures, institutional readiness, and collaborations, and identifies areas for action and further consideration.

Taking place from 7-15 July, HLPF 2026 will address the theme, ‘Transformative, equitable, innovative and coordinated actions for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs for a sustainable future for all.’ [Publication: Progress Towards the Sustainable Development Goals in the Arab Region in 2026] [Publication Landing Page] [Publication: Annual SDG Review 2026: Artificial Intelligence Policies for Social Inclusion in the Arab Region] [Publication Landing Page]