In a strategic move reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s leading role in shaping international standards for sustainable development, the Kingdom launched the “Global Quality of Life Index” in partnership with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) during the World Economic Forum in Davos. This initiative culminates intensive efforts led by the Quality of Life Program, one of the key programs for achieving the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
A qualitative shift in global development concepts
The launch of this index represents a fundamental shift in how countries' progress and the well-being of their people are measured. For decades, the world has relied on purely economic indicators, such as GDP, as the primary measure of success. However, this new index, spearheaded by the Kingdom, aims to broaden this concept to encompass human, social, and environmental dimensions, providing accurate and reliable data for decision-makers worldwide to improve the living environment for their populations.
Vision 2030: The Solid Foundation for the Initiative
This announcement cannot be separated from the Kingdom's local context, as the Quality of Life Program is a cornerstone of Saudi Vision 2030. Over the past years, the Kingdom has achieved significant progress in this area by developing infrastructure, enhancing cultural and recreational options, and improving the urban landscape of Saudi cities. This global initiative aims to transfer Saudi Arabia's experience and accumulated expertise to the international stage, confirming that the Kingdom is no longer merely implementing global standards, but actively participating in shaping them.
The importance of partnership with the United Nations
This initiative is gaining significant international weight thanks to its strategic partnership with the United Nations. This collaboration ensures the index's neutrality and credibility, and strengthens its adoption as a unified global benchmark. The index aims to help countries identify their development gaps and formulate more effective public policies that contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to the sustainability of cities and local communities.
Launch timing in Davos
Choosing Davos as the launch platform carries profound significance, as it brings together economic and political leaders from around the world. This gathering underscores that quality of life is no longer a social luxury, but a fundamental driver of the economy and a catalyst for attracting investment and human capital. This index is expected to foster healthy competition among countries and cities worldwide to improve their rankings, ultimately benefiting millions of people globally.
