Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, UAE Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, on Friday marked the 80th anniversary of the UN by issuing a call for the organisation to "renew its pledge to humanity" and help to foster unity in a world divided by conflict.
Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the UN's critical role in "upholding peace and security" against the backdrop of humanitarian crises fuelled by violence. The UN will host crunch talks at its General Assembly in New York next week, with the devastating wars in Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan set to feature high on the agenda.
Diplomats will be watching closely after countries vowed to use the gathering to recognise Palestinian statehood after nearly two years of conflict in Gaza.
In a recorded message, Sheikh Mohammed spoke of the need for the UN to lead a peacekeeping push and he emphasised the UAE's support for all efforts to bolster stability through dialogue and diplomacy.
“We stand today at a historic moment as we commemorate 80 years since the founding of the United Nations," Sheikh Mohammed said. "Yet the world faces complex global challenges, reaffirming the urgent need, now more than ever, to revive the principles and values enshrined in the UN Charter to ensure the continuity of its essential role in upholding peace and security."
Sheikh Mohammed emphasised the UAE's commitment to promoting peace. “Since its founding, the United Arab Emirates has pursued a consistent foreign policy based on dialogue and understanding, rooted in the values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence, while supporting sustainable development across all fields,” the Vice President added.
“The UAE continues to play an active role in delivering humanitarian assistance, combatting terrorism, and countering hate speech and extremism. The United Nations was founded eight decades ago as a global umbrella safeguarding humanity’s right to peace, justice and dignity. Today, it carries the responsibility to renew its pledge to humanity, as its continued vitality and effectiveness remain the hope of mankind for the next 80 years.”
Global champion for peace
The UAE joined the UN in 1971, shortly after the country was founded. It served as a member of the UN Security Council during the 1986-1987 term and again in 2022-2023.
The UN was formed in 1945 in the aftermath of the Second World War. It aimed to bring the international community together in the shared pursuit of preventing conflict and maintaining security.
The global body has its headquarters in New York and represents 193 member states. Its Charter sets out its principles and objectives.
The 80th General Assembly session will be presided over by Annalena Baerbock, Germany’s former foreign minister, making her the fifth woman to lead the assembly in its history.
Leaders from nations including Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Palestine, Ukraine and France are scheduled to speak during the high-level week, which begins on September 23.
