WORLD ECONOMIC JOURNAL
Insights from the TOP 5 cities
BEIJING , CHINA
Population : 21.9 MILLION Gross Metropolitan Product : $ 618.26 BILLION City mayor : YIN YONG
ABU DHABI , UAE
Population : 1.6 MILLION Gross Regional Product : $ 310 BILLION City Municipality Director-General : SAIF BADER AL QUBAISI
PHOTO : CHRISTIAN LUE / UNSPLASH , KIRILL NEIEZHMAKOVSHUTTERSTOCK
Beijing is recognized as a global centre for business , innovation and sustainability , supported by a robust economic base and technological advancements . The city hosts multinational companies and startups , enhancing sectors like AI and clean energy through government-backed R & D and investments . Beijing ' s initiatives for sustainability focus , in particular , on pollution reduction initiatives , renewable energy advancements and infrastructure improvements .
Notable SDG achievements : Beijing excels in clean energy and environmental protection according to the Nature Science City Index ( 2023 ). As revealed by the United Nations in China 2023 Annual Country Results Report , Beijing has made significant strides in reducing air pollution . The city reported a 25 % reduction in PM2.5 levels from 2013 to 2020 . As a result of its waste management programmes , the city achieved a 95 % waste sorting rate in residential areas by 2022 , significantly improving recycling and reducing landfill use ( United Nations in China 2023 Annual Country Results Report ).
Abu Dhabi aims to assert itself as a global business and sustainability leader . To drive AI and clean energy projects , it has established the Advanced Technology Research Council , while Masdar City is presented as a model for green urban development . The city ' s strategy focuses on sectors such as healthcare and finance , according to the Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 , which guides economic diversification and growth . Stringent environmental regulations and robust ESG commitments are being developed to align Abu Dhabi ' s broad economic ambitions with SDG-related requirements .
Notable SDG achievements : According to Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development ( ADDED ), the city has achieved a 15 % reduction in total waste generated in 2022 , with 6.65 tonnes of waste recycled , up 78 % from the previous year . The city ’ s building rehabilitation programmes have led to a 25- 40 % reduction of energy consumption for both government and private buildings , as reported by Aletihad . Clean energy consumption increase : according to the official Abu Dhabi Energy Outlook the city ’ s power mix has shifted towards clean energy facilities which contribute over 30 % of the total electricity generation capacity in Abu Dhabi .
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