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.
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.
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.
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.
Findings support targeted reforms, institutional strengthening and regional co-operation to accelerate progress towards the United Nations 2030 Agenda.
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.
