Gulf News

UAE now at the very heart of global affairs

Country will begin two-year term at UN Security Council from 2022

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On Friday, the UAE was one of five nations chosen to sit on the United Nations Security Council for a two-year term that begins next year, putting this nation and its leadership at the very heart of global affairs. Alongside Brazil, Albania, Gabon and Ghana, the UAE will now be at the main decision-making table in the world, at the heart of making sure the ideals of peace and internatio­nal cooperatio­n flourish in these challengin­g times

The structure of the Security Council allows for the five permanent members – the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia and China to exercise veto powers on any topic but the presence of 10 other rotating nations elected on two-year terms provides a balance and perspectiv­e at the table, allowing for divergent and differing opinions to be aired and views exchanged.

The election of the UAE serves as a reminder of the good standing this nation enjoys as a force for moderation and tolerance. In regional affairs, this nation has a proven track record in standing up against those who stray for the accepted norms and standards expected in internatio­nal affairs. The leadership of this nation has always advocated moderation and internatio­nal assistance, lending a helping hand to stricken nations and people in their time of need. From the very foundation of the UAE nearly five decades ago, our homeland has advocated peace and stability, assisting others and playing a leading role in resolving disputes.

The UN itself is an organisati­on that now has a leading and critical role to play in making sure the people of this planet are protected and secure. Given the events of the coronaviru­s pandemic, the need for vaccine equality and the necessity to remake economics and societies shattered by Covid-19, the two-year term which the UAE will soon embark upon is indeed critical. It simply could not be joining the key global decision-making entity at a more critical juncture in its 80-year history.

The leadership of this nation over the past five decades has acted with prudence and generosity, always keen and active supporters in both moral and monetary terms for the disparate parts that together carry out the global work of the UN. Now, at the table, there is recognitio­n for the many years of service provided by this government and its agencies and person. This is a remarkable honour, one which is well deserved. And yes, we should all be very proud.

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