Thursday 16 / July / 2026
New York: The Sultanate of Oman participated in the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), held under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
In his speech during the forum, Abdulhalim Mubarak Al Rawahi, member of the Permanent Mission of the Sultanate of Oman to the United Nations, affirmed the Sultanate of Oman's unwavering commitment to implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by integrating its goals into Oman Vision 2040 and its development plans. Foremost among these is the 11th Five-Year Development Plan (2026–2030), which focuses on economic diversification, digital transformation, and enhancing investment in human capital, keeping pace with the final phase of implementing the sustainable development agenda.
Al Rawahi stated that the Sultanate of Oman continues to promote the sustainable management of water resources by investing in desalination projects, reusing treated wastewater, and improving the efficiency of water resource management, thereby enhancing water security in the face of climate change challenges.
He added that the Sultanate of Oman is moving at an accelerated pace to expand renewable energy and green hydrogen projects, and to implement its targets to achieve net-zero carbon neutrality by 2050, emphasizing the importance of providing funding and technology transfer to ensure a just and equitable energy transition.
He explained that the convening of this forum comes at a critical juncture, with only a few years separating us from the deadline set to achieve the 2030 Agenda, while the world faces overlapping challenges including conflicts, slowing economic growth, worsening impacts of climate change, and widening financial and digital gaps. This necessitates a renewed political commitment, accelerated implementation, and enhanced international solidarity and cooperation.
At the same time, he mentioned that the Sultanate of Oman places industry, innovation, and digital transformation at the core of its economic diversification efforts. This is pursued through infrastructure development, promoting the digital economy, supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and stimulating research and innovation to contribute to raising productivity and enhancing competitiveness.
He pointed out that Oman continues to implement balanced spatial development policies, enhance decentralization, and improve the quality of cities and basic services.
Al Rawahi said that the Sultanate of Oman believes that international partnerships represent a cornerstone for achieving sustainable development. Therefore, it continues to develop its investment environment, enhance financial sustainability, and modernise its national statistical system, which supports evidence-based decision-making and raises the efficiency of monitoring the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He added that peace and development are two inseparable paths. In this spirit, the Sultanate of Oman continues to pursue a foreign policy based on dialogue, mediation, and peaceful coexistence, out of belief that consolidating security and stability is an essential prerequisite for achieving sustainable development.
He noted the Sultanate of Oman's emphasis that accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda requires boosting development finance, facilitating technology transfer, building capacities, and reforming the international cooperation system to respond to the priorities of developing countries. He pointed out that Oman continues to work with the United Nations and all partners to achieve fair, comprehensive, and sustainable development that ensures a better future for all.
