Assessing Arab Contributions to Environmental SDGs: Water, Energy, Urban Sustainability and Climate Action

Abstract This study aims to assess and compare the contributions of Arab countries to environmental Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 6, 7, 11, and 13), and to identify performance gaps, regional disparities, and key policy priorities. The study adopts quantitative and qualitative methods, using secondary data from Voluntary National Review (VNR) reports. A composite Environmental SDG Index is constructed using a standardised 0–5 scoring framework, supported by descriptive statistics, comparative analysis, and thematic interpretation. The results reveal significant disparities across the region, with Gulf countries leading in performance and conflict-affected states lagging behind. Strong progress is observed in renewable energy and urban development, while water management and climate action remain key challenges. The study provides a focused and standardised comparative assessment of environmental SDGs in the Arab region, offering a novel composite index based on VNR data. The findings support policymakers in identifying priority areas for intervention, strengthening environmental governance, and promoting regional cooperation to accelerate progress towards the SDGs.