The UAE has outlined three central priorities for its participation in the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, currently underway in New York from September 22 to 28, as global crises spanning security, economics, climate and technology increasingly overlap. UAE UN General Assembly Priorities
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, is leading the delegation, which includes Dr Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President; Reem Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation; Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Special Envoy for Climate Change; and Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, among other officials.
The three priorities identified by the UAE are: backing conflict resolution and regional stability; supporting United Nations reform through the responsible use of artificial intelligence; and pushing forward climate action, particularly in the water sector.
During the opening days of High-Level Week, Sheikh Abdullah held a series of bilateral meetings with foreign ministers, covering cooperation on trade, investment, technology, healthcare, food security and renewable energy, alongside broader peace and security discussions.
On regional conflicts, the UAE has consistently called for de-escalation over military solutions. In Sudan, it urged an immediate, unconditional ceasefire in July, alongside protection for civilians and unrestricted humanitarian access.
On Gaza, it joined a joint Arab-Islamic statement in August demanding protection for civilians, hospitals and aid workers, while emphasising that only a political pathway can deliver lasting peace.
Economic diplomacy also featured prominently. The UAE has signed more than 37 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements since 2021, with annual UAE-EU trade now exceeding €94 billion.
Trade with Australia rose from $4.2 billion in 2024 to $5.8 billion in 2025 following a bilateral economic partnership deal, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
On climate, the UAE is building on its legacy as COP28 host, shifting focus toward implementation of the UAE Consensus. This work will extend to Abu Dhabi in December, when the UAE and Senegal co-host the UN Water Conference at ADNEC from December 8-10, aimed at accelerating clean water and sanitation goals through investment and private-sector participation.
The UAE has also backed the UN80 reform initiative, linking artificial intelligence governance to a more effective and responsive multilateral system, as the General Assembly session unfolds under the theme of restoring trust and accelerating action on the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. Alawasat News
