AFRICA: For the first time ever, Egypt has participated in the European Sustainable Development Goal Summit 2020. The summit which centered on reimagining global supply chains in context of the SDGs brought together a host of more than 5 000 sustainability leaders including business representatives, NGOs, industry federations and national partner organizations. In attendance was Egypt’s Minister of International Cooperation, Rania Al Mashat who highlighted the significant role of global supply chains in achieving the SDGs. She also emphasized the joint responsibility of public and private sectors in ensuring sustainable supply chains. She encouraged government and policy makers to embrace “shareholder capitalism” as it provides opportunity for a circular economy to be centered on social aspirations.

ASIA: China has been on an explosive growth paradigm in spite of impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the wake of rising unilateralism and protectionism, and as the world’s second largest economy; China is willing to share its development opportunities through the upcoming China International Import Expo (CIIE). Keeping with its tradition of rolling out a five-year plan on a continuous basis, China is recording its 14th five-year plan that announces its latest development blueprint. The country is set to achieve ten years ahead of schedule the poverty alleviation of the 2030 Agenda, proven in the 55.75 million rural residents lifted from poverty this year.

MIDDLE EAST: Dubai is taking a center stage in sustainable development by turning trash to energy. The announcement made by the vice president, prime minister and ruler of Dubai, his Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to build Dh4 billion waste management plant has placed the gulf country in a league with nations like Sweden. A new waste processing plant in Warsan area is projected to handle 1,000 garbage trucks a day and power 135,000 homes by 2024. The plant will process 1.9 million tonnes of municipal solid waste and generate 200 megawatts of electricity annually.

UNITED STATES: What is the fate of the Sustainable Development Goals if Donald Trump wins a second tenure? There is no need emphasizing the bipolar nature between Republican President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden. During their just concluded debates, we got a fair glimpse on each candidate’s commitment to combating climate change and strengthening multilateral cooperation. While Donald Trump is a fierce advocate for economic superiority at all cost, Joe Biden is a firm believer on the “Green New Deal” as a socioeconomic strategic response against COVID-19 pandemic. However, come November 3 2020, the American voter will have the luxury of deciding which candidate and his agenda would emerge victorious.