Arab Forum for Sustainable Development

The Arab Forum for Sustainable Development (AFSD) is the primary regional mechanism for the follow-up and review of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda in the Arab region. Its outcome formally delivers the voice of the region to the global High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, held annually in New York. The AFSD report sets out key messages on the opportunities and challenges of implementing the 2030 Agenda in the region, and outlines progress on key sustainable development priorities.

AFSD promotes a participatory approach to follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda. It brings together high-level representatives of ministries, bodies concerned with planning and following up on the 2030 Agenda, parliamentarians, a wide range of regional and international institutions, civil society organizations, the private sector, academic and research centres, and the media, among others.

Every year, its theme reflects the priorities of the Arab region and is aligned with the theme of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. It usually features a variety of plenaries, special sessions and workshop-style special events.

Our approach

Our partners

League of Arab States

The League of Arab States (LAS) co-organizes voluntary national review (VNR) workshops alongside ESCWA and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Since 2016, LAS has granted special attention to the 2030 Agenda through its activities, and encouraged Arab member States to adopt it as part of their national development planning and policies.

United Nations Interagency Task Force

The United Nations Interagency Task Force is formed every year for the purpose of AFSD, and comprises representatives of United Nations agencies, programmes and funds operating in the Arab region. The Task Force collaborate closely in the organization of the Forum.

Our activities