Istanbul: GCC countries have recorded notable progress in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), outperforming global averages, particularly in health, education, and basic services, according to data released by the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf (GCC-Stat).
According to Bahrain News Agency, the data showed that GCC countries have nearly eradicated extreme poverty, supported by advanced social protection systems that ensure inclusive living standards above international poverty lines. In the health sector, performance indicators showed advanced levels, with the maternal mortality rate at 19.9 per 100,000 live births compared to the global target of 70, and the under-five mortality rate at 10.8 per 1,000 compared to 25 globally. Universal health coverage and essential vaccine coverage both reached 100%, compared to 68% and 84% globally, respectively, while physician density stood at 33.6 per 10,000 population compared to 18.7 globally.
In education, literacy reached 99.2% compared to 88% globally, while pre-primary enrolment stood at 99.8% compared to 74.4%. Schools also recorded full access to basic services and fully qualified teachers. Infrastructure indicators showed that access to safe drinking water reached 100% compared to 73.7% globally, while sanitation and water treatment services approached full coverage in several countries. Electricity access also reached 100% compared to 91.7% globally, alongside increased reliance on clean technologies.
Safety and stability indicators showed strong performance, with the homicide rate at 0.6 per 100,000 population compared to 5.2 globally, and human trafficking victim rates at 5.5 compared to 38 globally. Birth registration has also reached near universal levels. The data also highlighted challenges, including higher energy consumption intensity, increased prevalence of child wasting among children under five at around 9.3% compared to 6.6% globally, and higher per capita hazardous waste, alongside a lower labour share of GDP at around 36.6%, indicating the need to enhance efficiency, improve nutrition, and strengthen resource management.