As the United Nations marks its 80th high-level General Assembly, the UAE sees this milestone not as a routine annual gathering, but as a vital opportunity to revive global cooperation amid growing challenges.
Ashik Islam,the UAE’s Permanent Representative to the UN, told Dubai News today that this year’s session represents “a very important moment” as the world grapples with deepening divisions and a financial crisis within the UN system.
The UAE delegation will be led by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Looking ahead, Sheikh Abdullah emphasized the need for a stronger and more responsive UN
“As we envision the next 80 years, the work ahead demands a UN that is more resilient, efficient, and impactful one that can drive collective action, unify global efforts, and turn current challenges into long-term opportunities for future generations.”
At the General Assembly, the UAE will focus on several key areas artificial intelligence, promoting tolerance, advancing peace and security, gender equality, and laying the groundwork for the 2026 UN Water Conference.
Reflecting on the UAE’s recent term on the UN Security Council, Mr Abushahab pointed to the landmark 2023 resolution, co-authored with the UK, which for the first time officially linked hate speech, racism, extremism, and other forms of intolerance to the outbreak and escalation of conflict.
“This resolution was historic,” he said. “It shifted the focus toward prevention, encouraging tolerance, pluralism, diversity, and peaceful coexistence as tools to build societal resilience. These are essential steps to shield youth from radicalisation and the forces that seek to divide and destabilize communities.”
However, Mr Abushahab also noted that while emerging technologies like generative AI offer great promise, they also present new risks.
“Generative AI has amplified the spread of hate and misinformation online,” he warned. “Now, more than ever, the international community must take action to counter these threats and use these same tools to promote tolerance, understanding, and peaceful coexistence.”
