How Sheikh Zayed promoted the UN's sustainable development goals – long before they came into being
One of the many legacies left by UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, was his restoration in 1946 of Al Ain’s ancient falaj water system. As the Ruler’s Representative in the Eastern Region, Sheikh Zayed also ordered that water should be free. A study has shown that, in nearly six decades serving in positions of authority, including Ruler of Abu Dhabi and UAE…
The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, UAE's Founding Father, made lasting contributions to sustainable development long before the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were established. A study from Frontiers in Environmental Science reveals that Sheikh Zayed's actions covered all 17 SDGs during his six-decade tenure as Ruler of Abu Dhabi and UAE President.
From restoring Al Ain's falaj water system and declaring water free, to establishing Oasis Hospital in 1960, which significantly reduced infant mortality, his leadership spanned nearly every SDG. The green desert initiative, which began in 1962 and involved planting tens of millions of trees, also earned Sheikh Zayed the World Wildlife Fund for Nature's Golden Panda conservation accolade in 1997.
Jasim Mohamed, founder of the Aiwah Foundation, which promotes sustainability through cultural and community projects, analyzed the research. He noted that Sheikh Zayed's legacy encompassed not only environmentalism but also water management, education, housing, public health, women's participation, prosperity, conservation, peace, and the welfare of future generations.
The SDGs' adoption in 2015, years after Sheikh Zayed's passing, underscores his visionary approach. The research compares his record to other notable national leaders, finding that Sheikh Zayed's actions spanned 31 policy decisions relating to SDGs, more than five times the number of SDGs covered by other leaders. Sheikh Zayed's foresight extended to issues such as gas flaring and the 1990 donation to the Carter Centre to combat guinea worm disease.
Despite his environmental dedication, the study emphasizes that his approach was about balance, recognizing the need for development while protecting the environment. Today, the UAE continues to implement initiatives like the 2024 climate law, which mandates businesses to measure and manage greenhouse gas emissions, demonstrating the nation's commitment to sustainable development.
Written by urgent.news from The National UAE's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
