The UAE\u2019s largest ever delegation to the United Nations – led by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, MoFAIC – will seek diplomatic solutions to address the most pressing challenges to regional stability and security, and assert against extremism and hate.
\nIn a media briefing on Sunday at MoFAIC, the UAE revealed its priorities for the upcoming 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, UNGA, in New York, on 28th September. The country also emphasised its deep and sustained commitment to UN-led initiatives and the UN\u2019s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to build a more peaceful and tolerant world.
\n“The UAE will go to New York as a determined and responsible promoter of regional peace and security, as a committed champion against extremism and hate, and as an engaged global citizen working to advance human development and protect the planet,” said Hend Mana Al Otaiba, MoFAIC Director of Strategic Communications.
\nThe General Debate of the UNGA is a week-long annual gathering of world leaders who will engage in a series of critical meetings to address global challenges, where Sheikh Abdullah will be addressing the General Assembly.
\n“The UAE does not act unilaterally \u2013 one of our key objectives during the General Assembly is to strengthen multilateral cooperation and the role of international organisations like the UN,” she emphasised.
\nOn the political track, Al Otaiba underlined, “The UAE supports diplomatic solutions that look to resolve conflicts instead of merely managing them.”
\nShe also reaffirmed the UAE\u2019s continued support for UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths\u2019 diplomatic efforts in Yemen as it continues its drawdown of military forces in the country. The UAE will also meet its full aid commitment to Yemen for this year and will continue to be one of Yemen\u2019s largest providers of humanitarian and development assistance, Al Otaiba said.
\nThe UAE will continue to take a leadership role on climate and sustainability issues at the General Assembly, the official said. This June, the UAE hosted UN Secretary-General Ant\u00f3nio Guterres, UN Member States, and other stakeholders in Abu Dhabi for a preparatory conference for the Secretary-General\u2019s Climate Action Summit that will be held on 23rd September.
\nDuring the week-long General Debate, UAE diplomats will also highlight tolerance and interfaith dialogue as a critical element of the UAE\u2019s approach to regional stability and as a core component of its foreign policy, the official said.
\n“The history of our region has taught us to be instinctively wary of those who seek to elevate ideology above the material needs and interests of people, which begin first and foremost with health and security. This is why we invest in development and stabilisation programmes, rather than political or religious programmes,” Al Otaiba explained.
\n“It is why we seek to confront extremist groups and ideologies wherever we see them, beginning with our efforts to empower women and integrate religions,” she pointed out.
\nThe UAE initiatives such as the Hedayah Centre, the Council of Muslim Elders, and the Abrahamic Family House emphasise the rejection of extremism and sectarianism in all its forms as well as a desire to foster harmony between religions.
\nThe UAE is celebrating 2019 as the ‘Year of Tolerance’ and welcomed His Holiness Pope Francis to the UAE in February 2019. Pope Francis was joined by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Dr. Ahmed El Tayeb, in signing the declaration on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together, which reaffirms the interfaith values of tolerance and peace.
\nThe UAE is home to approximately 40 Christian churches, two Hindu temples, a Sikh temple, and a Buddhist monastery, all of which welcome multinational congregations. A Jewish community also meets and practices in Dubai, Al Otaiba noted.
\nThe UAE will continue to promote religious freedom and peaceful co-existence, including through the construction of the Abrahamic Family House, a place of learning, dialogue, and worship and the future home of gatherings that will bring world leaders together. The launch of the Abrahamic House will take place in New York this September, the official revealed.
\nAl Otaiba also detailed the UAE\u2019s other priorities such as empowering people and alleviating hardship through humanitarian aid and development, promoting the inclusion of youth in society, the UAE commitment towards the Secretary-General\u2019s agenda to reform the UN system, and its support digital cooperation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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