Policy Options for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the MENA Region through the effective implementation of Multilateral Environmental Agreements

Abstract

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region faces a complex set of
challenges, including political instability, economic disparities, and
environmental degradation. Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs) in this region is paramount to ensuring a sustainable and prosperous
future for its diverse populations. Multilateral Environmental Agreements
(MEAs) play a crucial role in addressing environmental issues, which are
intertwined with many of the SDGs. This paper explored policy options that
can help the MENA region make significant strides towards achieving the
SDGs through the effective implementation of MEAs. To achieve this, the
MENA region will be required to strengthen regional cooperation through
the development and implementation of regional agreements that are tailored
towards shared environmental issues, such as trans-boundary water
management in the Nile River basin or tackling air pollution in the Gulf
Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Strategies for the adoption of policies
on the region’s prevalent issues such as drought and desertification,
renewable energy transition, biodiversity conservation, climate change
mitigation and adaptation will have to be negotiated, developed,
strengthened, and implemented. The paper utilised a content analysis research
approach in analysing selected international and regional MEAs. The paper
highlights the challenges with the implementation of both international and
regional MEAs, with a view to raising awareness on the shortcomings and
challenges of implementation of these very important environmental treaties.
Achieving the SDGs in the MENA region through the implementation of
MEAs requires a coordinated effort amongst nations, international
organisations, and civil society. By prioritising regional cooperation,
sustainable resource management, renewable energy adoption, biodiversity
conservation, climate action, waste management and education, the MENA region can make significant progress towards a more sustainable and
prosperous future. These policy options offer a roadmap to address pressing
environmental challenges whilst simultaneously advancing the broader
agenda of sustainable development.