The Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), with Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government (MBRSG), has published an SDG index and dashboards for the Arab region. The report provides a comprehensive evaluation of SDG progress, based on a set of indicators tailored specifically to regional priorities. A dedicated chapter offers data-driven insights on the Arab region’s resilience using a sustainable development lens.
Titled, ‘The Arab Region SDG Index and Dashboards 2025: Building Resilience,’ the report highlights conflict as one of the major challenges in the Arab region, impacting progress towards peace and stability, as well as efforts to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, stem hunger, and promote good health and education. Climate change and unsustainable management of natural resources also pose a threat, exacerbating food insecurity and water scarcity.
Amid these “cascading crises,” the report underscores resilience building through regional and global partnerships as an imperative, emphasizing the urgent need for societies, economies, and ecosystems to adapt and maintain momentum towards achieving the SDGs.
The Arab Region SDG Index and Dashboards aims to provide a data-driven practical tool for governments, policymakers, and other stakeholders to measure progress on the SDGs, highlight implementation challenges, and identify data gaps, providing a strong foundation for effective decision making and action.
The report’s key findings include:
- Overall SDG achievement in the Arab region is modest and characterized by disparities;
- Common challenges hinder progress towards the achievement of the SDGs in the Arab region;
- Despite the challenges, some Arab countries achieve positive trends on several indicators; and
- Significant data gaps persist in data necessary to measure advances in sustainable development performance in areas related to eradication of poverty and inequalities.
The publication includes thematic analysis that explores various aspects of development related to building resilience across the dimensions of people, prosperity, planet, peace, and partnership, highlighting challenges and opportunities.
The report was released on 13 February 2025 in the margins of World Governments Summit 2025, which convened in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), from 11-13 February. [Publication: The Arab Region SDG Index and Dashboards 2025: Building Resilience] [Publication Landing Page]