Session I
UN Sustainable Development Goals
Sept. 4th 2019
SPEAKER I: DR. REEM MANSOUR AL-SAUD
SDG EXPERT AT THE PERMANENT MISSION OF THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
SPEAKER II: MOHAMMED AL AKIL
SDG LEAD AT SABIC
MODERATOR: HOLLEY CHANT
DIRECTOR OF SUSTAINABILITY AT QIDDIYA INVESTMENT COMPANY
Addressing global welfare challenges is a huge undertaking that requires governments, business, NGOs to play a role in the sustainability of the ecosystems surrounding us. In 2015, The United Nations replaced its millennium development goals with a more universal and comprehensive plan. As part of the 2030 sustainable development agenda, 17 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT goals were introduced to pave the way for a better and more sustainable future for all, addressing the root causes of much of the challenges societies face today and covering the three main dimensions of development: economic, social and environmental. In 2018, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia presented a comprehensive review the status of the SDGs and its alignment with Vision 2030. This voluntary national review also highlighted actions taken by national entities to fulfill the 2030 SDG Agenda. This month’s sustainability talk will explore the topic from a local lens, and will discuss reporting, monitoring and evaluation processes, how the SDGs are adapted to align with local circumstances and Saudi Vision 2030 and discuss the role and activities of Policy, Business and Civil Society in contributing to the kingdom’s efforts in achieving its targets.
Relevant Reading
DR. REEM MANSOUR AL-SAUD
A sustainable development expert, women’s development specialist, Oxford graduate, & Harvard-trained public policy professional. She leads several of the most important global negotiations on urban, environmental, social, & economic development on behalf of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the United Nations with an aim to end poverty & ensure peace & prosperity for the people & the planet. Her breadth of experience includes labor force analysis, capacity building, & outreach. She works with disadvantaged & post-conflict women & youth in developing countries, including Latin America & the Middle East, to support these groups becoming agents of change in their communities.
MOHAMMED AL AKIL
Mr. Alakil has a bachelor and a Master’s Degree in Environmental Sustainability, Health, and Safety Management from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). He currently works in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as a Sustainability Analyst in SABIC’s Corporate Sustainability Department. His key role is to work with Business Units to deliver the goals of the SABIC Sustainability portfolio for execution of the corporate 2025 strategy. He also provides regional support to businesses/functions on SABIC sustainability strategy roadmap.
HOLLEY CHANT
Director of Sustainability and Environment at Qiddiya. She is delighted to be working in the Kingdom collaborating with other sustainability professionals facilitating the 2030 Vision of achieving environmental sustainability. Holley has spent 20 years leading sustainability projects that span governmental and commercial zones; including world-class sporting facilities; retail and luxury properties; schools, hospitals, hotels and housing developments; green roads, bridges and tunnels; corporate and municipal buildings; museums, zoos, and outdoor public amenities. She blends a strong sense of mission for innovation with commercial pragmatism.