The United Arab Emirates in the G20: Collective action for a sustainable future

As global cooperation faces unprecedented pressures, the G20 plays a vital role in safeguarding globalisation from fragmentation and ensuring that international engagement delivers shared prosperity. Embracing the theme of the South African presidency – ‘Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability’ – the United Arab Emirates has embedded these values at the core of its development vision. Over the past five decades, the UAE has transformed from an oil-based economy into one of the world’s most dynamic hubs for logistics, trade, finance and renewable energy. This diversification has strengthened stability while encouraging inclusive growth. Today, non-oil sectors account for 75.5% of the UAE’s gross domestic product, and non-oil foreign trade has surpassed $809.61 billion – a testament to the country’s dedication to fostering a more equitable and resilient growth model. 

This progress has positioned the UAE to take a proactive role in advancing global climate and development goals. We have furthered the G20’s sustainable finance agenda under the South African presidency by sharing practical insights on addressing insurance protection gaps and strengthening data frameworks – vital tools to unlock capital for long-term growth.

As the host of the 2023 UN Climate Conference, the UAE collaborated with international partners to accelerate the global energy transition while promoting pragmatic pathways that ensure energy security. Building on this legacy, the country continues to invest significantly in affordable and reliable energy, alongside advanced technologies. Given that the G20 comprises the world’s largest economies, it holds a particular responsibility to scale low-carbon energy solutions, facilitate equitable transitions and support vulnerable populations. Recognising that energy security is integral to the broader environmental agenda, the UAE reaffirmed its role as a global convener of innovative climate solutions and cross-border environmental engagement by hosting the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s World Conservation Congress 2025, aiming to strengthen collective action for biodiversity conservation.

For countries like the UAE, water security is a national priority. Through the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative, the UAE is pioneering solutions to reduce the cost of water technologies. By lowering desalination costs and improving long-term access, this initiative exemplifies the country’s commitment to sustainability and equitable resource distribution. Building on this momentum, the UAE is looking forward to co-hosting the UN Water Conference in 2026, to advance global solidarity on this critical issue.

Food security remains an equally urgent challenge. The UAE supports the G20 Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty launched in Brazil in 2024, through which members pledged to strengthen agricultural systems and tackle malnutrition. This priority is embodied in the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051, which aims to position the country among the top countries on the Global Food Security Index by ensuring resilient supply chains and expanding sustainable food systems. By linking innovation with solidarity, the G20 can safeguard fundamental human needs for future generations. This year, the UAE also shared its national experience with digital platforms and multi-sector restoration programmes to inform G20 technical papers on land productivity and drought resilience.

The UAE has declared 2025 as the Year of Community, underscoring the importance of solidarity. Guided by values of generosity, optimism and openness, this initiative seeks to inspire stronger social cohesion and shared responsibility. It reflects a deep understanding that societal cohesion is foundational to global cooperation and that national solidarity strengthens international partnerships.

Within the G20 framework, the UAE believes that challenges such as advancing sustainable energy, ensuring water security and strengthening global food systems cannot be addressed by any country acting in isolation; rather, they require collective will and effective partnerships. The UAE remains committed to contributing proactively to shaping a prosperous future through the G20.

The UAE commends South Africa for its historic presidency – the first ever G20 hosted on the African continent. We also extend our appreciation to Brazil as a member of the troika for its 2024 presidency and to the United States as the incoming president. 

The UAE is honoured to participate in the G20 process for the fourth consecutive year. The G20 remains one of the most influential international platforms for addressing urgent global challenges. Rooted in dialogue and collective action, the G20’s operational framework closely aligns with the UAE’s own principles in international relations.

Together, with shared vision and determination, the G20 can demonstrate that global challenges demand global solutions, and deliver tangible benefits for people worldwide.