Today's Edition
Mudhi Alobthani (ABU DHABI)
The Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA) on Wednesday hosted a special event to mark the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, reflecting on the organisation’s milestones, ongoing challenges, and the UAE’s enduring commitment to multilateral diplomacy. The event featured a panel discussion with distinguished speakers and a photo exhibition showcasing the long-standing partnership between the UAE and the UN.
In his welcome remarks, Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Dhaheri, Deputy Director General of the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, noted the significance of the UN Charter and the UAE’s membership since 1971.
“We are facing 21st-century challenges with tools built for the 1950s — that’s why renewing the UN system has become a necessity, not a choice,” he said.
The panel discussion explored how the UN has evolved over eight decades to address global challenges, foster international cooperation, and promote peace and development.
Berangere Boell, UN Resident Coordinator in the UAE, highlighted the UN’s major successes: “The UN has fulfilled its core purpose — preventing a Third World War and offering channels to ease tensions among great powers.” She explained that while the UN was originally designed to address post-World War II challenges, it has adapted to new global realities, including climate change, technological advancements, and complex geopolitical conflicts.
Jeffrey Feltman, Visiting Fellow in International Diplomacy at the Brookings Institution, emphasised the importance of reform and adaptation. “We don’t need to reinvent the wheel — we need to adapt the UN to today’s world while preserving the principles agreed upon 80 years ago.”
He said the organisation must continue to evolve to remain effective amid rapid global changes, citing initiatives like UN80 that seek to revitalise and reinforce its role.
Nickolay E. Mladenov, Director General of AGDA underscored the UN’s enduring role in mediating conflicts, supporting development, and coordinating global responses to crises. “We might not create the same UN today, yet it remains a cornerstone that has greatly advanced conflict reduction, poverty alleviation, and humanitarian action.”
Prof. Eric Alter, Dean of Graduate Programmes at AGDA, highlighted the UAE’s strong commitment to multilateralism, saying: : “The UAE believes in multilateralism as a core principle of its foreign policy and continues to support the UN as it faces some of its hardest tests.”
He added that the priorities shaping the UN’s future include advancing sustainable development, accelerating climate action, and strengthening global resilience — all while remaining grounded in the organisation’s founding principles.
The event also featured a photo exhibition showcasing the long-standing cooperation between the UAE and the UN through initiatives and projects that underscore the nation’s commitment to peace, stability, and sustainable development. Attendees had the opportunity to explore the UN’s key milestones alongside the UAE’s active role in advancing international cooperation and humanitarian efforts.
