ABDULLAH ABU DHAIF, AHMED ATEF (CAIRO)

The United Arab Emirates concluded its term as a member of the United Nations Security Council for the years 2022-2023.

Throughout this period, the UAE aimed to be a principled and practical voice on the turbulent international stage, working diligently to promote values of tolerance and coexistence, support Arab causes, and endorse agendas focusing on women, peace, and security.

The UAE played a pivotal role in enhancing the Council’s engagement with climate, peace, and security issues, while solidifying principles of faith in diplomacy, consensus, and bridge-building.

Historical Resolutions

During its tenure on the Security Council, the UAE successfully issued significant resolutions, notably Resolution 2720 in December 2023, which aimed to expand the flow of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.

Furthermore, the UAE was instrumental in shaping a landmark resolution on tolerance, peace, and international security. This resolution acknowledged, for the first time, that hate speech and extremism could lead to the spread of these evils and the recurrence of conflicts worldwide.

Additionally, in April 2023, a resolution condemning the ban on the work of Afghan women was passed.

Peaceful Efforts with Global Reach

Under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the UAE remained committed to being a principled and practical voice on the international stage throughout its membership in the Security Council.

For 730 days, the agenda of Emirati diplomacy was clear: defending the Palestinian cause and exploring diplomatic solutions to Arab crises, supporting consensus on election laws in Libya, and emphasising the importance of national unity.

The UAE stressed the importance of preserving the unity, independence, and territorial integrity of Syria, affirming that a peaceful resolution is key to addressing the humanitarian crisis sustainably.

In addition, the UAE supported counterterrorism efforts in Somalia, advocated for women’s rights worldwide, opposed attempts to prevent women from working in Afghanistan, and called for the cessation of hostilities, de-escalation, dialogue, diplomacy, and negotiation.

Firm Stance Against Violence and Hatred

Ambassador Mohamed Orabi, the former Egyptian Foreign Minister, praised the UAE’s role in the Security Council, representing the Arab Group.

Orabi noted that the UAE’s stance against violent and hateful speech marked a significant shift in the international perception of Arabs. He commended the UAE’s professional representation in the Security Council, emphasising its focus on necessary actions rather than succumbing to external pressures.

This approach, he stressed, set the UAE apart, lauding its resilience against pressure and its impactful presence in international institutions.

Impactful Presidencies

The UAE’s first presidency of the United Nations Security Council in March 2022 was marked by the adoption of four resolutions and the issuance of six statements, including two presidential and four press statements.

During this term, the UAE hosted three significant meetings focusing on the economic integration of women, climate finance for global peace and security, and cooperation between the United Nations and the Arab League.

In its second presidency in June 2023, the UAE, in collaboration with Britain, crafted the groundbreaking resolution “Tolerance, Peace, and Security.” This resolution, adopted unanimously by the Security Council, was pioneering in acknowledging that hate speech, racism, and extremism can trigger, escalate, and perpetuate conflicts.

During its second presidency, the UAE also led the International Security Council in adopting a comprehensive document that included seven resolutions, five press statements, and two informational sheets for the press.

Key decisions made in June 2023 included the renewal of mandates for the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia, and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force.

Also notable were decisions to renew the sanctions committee under Resolution 1533 concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the extension of the authorisation to inspect ships in international waters off the coast of Libya.

Palestinian Cause

Following the escalation in Gaza on October 7, 2023, the UAE, as an Arab member of the Security Council, exerted significant efforts to advocate for a ceasefire and increase aid to Palestinians.

The Council convened 13 sessions on the Palestinian issue and the situation in Gaza. In these sessions, the UAE was vocal in its support for peace initiatives, the cessation of hostilities, and the protection of civilian lives.

Out of the 13 sessions dedicated to Gaza, the UAE directly requested eight, presenting two resolutions advocating for a ceasefire. The UAE mission at the United Nations focused on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as underscored in Security Council Resolution 2720.

This resolution emphasised the need for immediate, unimpeded humanitarian aid, the protection of UN and humanitarian personnel, the appointment of a senior coordinator for humanitarian affairs and reconstruction, and the unconditioned release of all hostages.

Prior to this resolution, the UAE leadership facilitated a visit to the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza, where Security Council members observed first-hand the critical need for increased humanitarian assistance.

The UAE consistently underscored the importance of a humanitarian ceasefire to alleviate civilian suffering, along with the cessation of settler violence and settlement activities in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

In February 2023, the UAE backed a presidential statement by the Security Council, opposing unilateral actions impeding the peace process in the occupied Palestinian territories and reaffirming its commitment to the two-state solution.

Ambassador Maged Abdelfattah Abdelaziz, the Permanent Representative of the Arab League to the United Nations, acknowledged the recent Security Council decision as a milestone for UAE diplomacy.

Palestinian diplomat Rweid Abu Amsha remarked that over two full years, the UAE resolved numerous significant international issues and always prioritised Arab interests, noting that its notable role in supporting the Palestinian cause stood out.

Climate Change

The UAE significantly contributed to addressing climate issues, playing a key role in fostering dialogue on climate change efforts, particularly during its hosting of COP28.

In its June 2023 Security Council presidency, the UAE led an open ministerial-level discussion on climate change, peace, and security.

The discussion delved into the intricate nexus between fragility, climate change, and armed conflict, underscoring the imperative for comprehensive solutions to this multifaceted issue.

Women’s Issues

The UAE was at the forefront of international efforts to achieve stability and protect human rights, with a special focus on women’s rights in Afghanistan.

In March 2023, working alongside Japan, the UAE mission introduced two resolutions to the Security Council. The first extended the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan by 12 months. The second sought an independent review of the international approach to Afghanistan, emphasising the need for the full, equal, meaningful, and safe inclusion of Afghan women and girls.

This resolution also highlighted the pressing need to tackle the deteriorating economic and humanitarian conditions in Afghanistan and expressed deep concern over the erosion of human rights and fundamental freedoms for women in the country.

Arabic Language

Demonstrating its commitment to linguistic diversity, the UAE made a historic move by publishing the Security Council agenda on its United Nations mission’s website in both English and Arabic.

This initiative marked the first time in the United Nations’ 76-year history that the agenda was prepared in Arabic.