As high-level debates at the 79th UN General Assembly begin on Tuesday, major global challenges such as the wars in Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan as well as climate change are expected to dominate the agenda, with the UAE seeing resolving these crises as a priority.
Speaking exclusively to The National on the eve of the high-level debate, the UAE’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Mohammed Abu Shahab, stressed the importance of delivering humanitarian aid to those suffering in conflict zones as well as finding solutions to such crises.
“One of the UAE’s priorities will be to respond to the many geopolitical crises that will remain at the forefront of international discussions,” Abu Shahab said.
“Whether we are talking about Ukraine, Gaza or Sudan, efforts must be guided by the UN Charter and its principles,” he said, stressing the UAE’s firm support for de-escalation, dialogue and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.
“The UAE has been pragmatic and principled at the UN and that continues to be our stance across our foreign policy,” he said, adding that both during the UAE’s term on the council and outside of it, “we have shown that by being principled we can ensure that people understand exactly where we stand, and at the same time by being pragmatic we can be a positive and constructive bridge builder.”
The UAE envoy also highlighted the humanitarian dimension of his country’s priorities, noting that the country remains one of the largest donors of aid in the world. He said the challenge lies in ensuring humanitarian access in conflict areas.
“UN mechanisms must be used to ensure that international humanitarian law is respected and aid reaches those in need,” Abu Shahab added.
Regarding the Gaza crisis, the ambassador described the situation as “untenable” and reiterated the UAE’s call for a ceasefire, the release of hostages and detainees, and the resumption of the political process towards a two-state solution.
He supported full Palestinian membership in the UN General Assembly and insisted that it be recognized “like any other country.”
But in the meantime, progress is being made towards goals and objectives, to the extent possible, he said.
Abu Shahab said Sudan “is considered an important part of our region and what happens there can naturally have an impact on neighbouring countries, the Horn of Africa and beyond.”
He reaffirmed the UAE’s continuing position on the need for an immediate and permanent ceasefire; unhindered, safe, rapid and continued passage of humanitarian assistance inside and throughout Sudan; and engagement in good faith peace negotiations towards a transition to civilian-led rule.
Beyond the political crisis, sustainable development remains a key focus for the UAE at the UN General Assembly.
“Following the work at the UN Security Council and the unprecedented success of COP28, [in Dubai]We will implement the climate change agreement and strengthen climate action and water issues,” Abu Shahab said.
“We intend to continue that at the 2026 Water Conference.”
The Water Conference, which aims to accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, which focus on clean water and sanitation, is scheduled to be held in the UAE in December 2026.
The conference is expected to play a key role in accelerating global efforts to address water issues as the world faces increasing pressures from climate change, population growth and resource scarcity. According to the United Nations, a quarter of the world’s population does not have access to safe drinking water and half lack basic sanitation.
The World Meteorological Organization reports that 3.6 billion people currently face water shortages for at least one month each year, a figure it warns could rise to 5 billion by 2050, or more than half the world’s population.
Emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, is another priority, Abu Shahab said, highlighting the opportunities and risks that AI poses in sectors ranging from sustainable development to energy development and security.
He said AI could be a “game changer in many areas.” “Working together, including with the United Nations, to see what kind of guardrails and ground rules we can put in place for the world, we can mitigate some of the potential risks and there are a lot of opportunities,” he added.
The Ambassador reaffirmed the UAE’s focus on empowering women and girls and promoting tolerance and peace. He pointed to the UAE’s landmark UN Security Council Resolution 2686, which addressed the nexus of hate speech, extremism, intolerance and conflict.
In June 2023, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution acknowledging the role that hate speech, racism, and other intolerance play in fueling conflict. The resolution, co-drafted by the UAE and the UK, highlighted the negative impact that gender discrimination and acts of extremism have on global peace and stability.
“The Security Council recognized the link between hate speech, extremism, intolerance and racism and its contribution to the emergence, escalation and recurrence of conflicts. This is really about strengthening the United Nations’ preventive capacity to increase societies’ resilience against hate speech, extremism and intolerance,” he said.
Wednesday’s results
Finland 3-0 Armenia
Faroe Islands 1-0 Malta
Sweden 1-1 Spain
Gibraltar 2-3 Georgia
Romania 1-1 Norway
Greece 2-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Liechtenstein 0-5 Italy
Switzerland 2-0 Ireland
Israel 3-1 Latvia
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Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed, Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self-funded
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Third Test
Result: India wins by 203 runs
Series: England leads the five-match series 2-1
Kalra’s achievements: Became the fifth batsman to score a century in an U-19 final; Became the second Indian to score a century in an U-19 final after Unmukt Chand in 2012; Scored 122 in a Youth Test during the tour of England; Bought by Delhi Daredevils for a base price of INR 2 million (Dh115,000) in the 2018 IPL auction; Match info:
Delhi Daredevils 174-4 (20 ovs)
Mumbai Indians 163 (19.3 ovs)
Delhi won by 11 runs.
Best ever
Starring: Vijay, Sneha, Prashant, Prabhu Deva, Mohan