A Voluntary National Review-Based comparative assessment of Sustainable Development Goals progress across Arab countries: A cross-regional performance review, Prof. Allam Ahmed, Prof. Arshi Naim
Professor Allam Ahmed
World Association for Sustainable Development (WASD)
London
United Kingdom
ORCID: 0000-0002-1494-354X
Professor Arshi Naim
London Institute of Sustainable Development (LISD)
London
United Kingdom
ORCID: 0000-0003-1325-6964
Paper Type: Research
Received: 15 November 2025 / Revised: 19 November 2025 / Accepted: 26 November 2025 / Published: 1 December 2025
DOI: 10.47556/J.ST.1.1-2.2025.2
Purpose: This paper evaluates progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across Arab countries using Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) to identify regional leaders, laggards and priority policy gaps.
Design/Methodology/Approach: A comparative assessment was conducted using a standardised 0-5 scoring framework applied to 17 SDGs across 21 Arab countries, combined with an analysis of VNR submission patterns from 2018-2025.
Findings: The results reveal a clear divide between high-performing Gulf states and conflict-affected or fragile countries. Qatar, Oman and the UAE demonstrate strong performance, while Yemen, Syria and Somalia remain severely off track. SDG 16 and SDG 2 emerge as the weakest goals across the region.
Originality/Value: This study makes an original contribution by linking SDG performance with VNR engagement through a regional framework. To the authors’ knowledge, this type of comparison has not been carried out in previous research and therefore represents a first attempt to analyse both dimensions together.
Practical Implications: Findings support targeted reforms, institutional strengthening and regional co-operation to accelerate progress towards the United Nations 2030 Agenda.
Keywords: Sustainable Development Goals; Voluntary National Reviews; United Nations; Comparative Assessment.
Citation: Ahmed, A. and Naim, A. (2025): A Voluntary National Review-Based Comparative Assessment of Sustainable Development Goals Progress across Arab Countries: A Cross-Regional Performance Review. Sustainability Tracker (ST), Vol. 1, Nos. 1/2, pp. 5-25.
