As world leaders gathered in New York City for the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80), His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and United Arab Emirates (UAE) Minister of Foreign Affairs, joined discussions reflecting on eight decades of progress and the shared responsibility to build a more peaceful, cooperative future. From advancing sustainable development to upholding dialogue and diplomacy as paths toward stability, the week’s discussions underscored the shared responsibility of nations to strengthen mutual understanding.
UAE Leadership and International Engagement
HH Sheikh Abdullah led the UAE delegation at UNGA80, emphasizing the UAE’s long-standing belief that diplomacy and dialogue are essential to peace.
Hosted by the United States (US), the multilateral meetings brought together Arab and Islamic leaders including His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar, His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Türkiye, President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan, Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly of Egypt and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah.
Their collective engagement underscores the UAE’s belief that lasting solutions are built through partnership and shared understanding.
Advancing Stability In Gaza
Discussions throughout the session focused on achieving a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza and addressing the growing humanitarian impact on civilians. HH Sheikh Abdullah – accompanied by UAE Ambassador and Minister of State Yousef Al Otaiba — expressed appreciation for ongoing mediation efforts and reiterated the UAE’s support for initiatives that prioritize stability, accountability and the protection of life.
Beyond the focus of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, HH Sheikh Abdullah underscored the UAE’s continued engagement in broader UNGA80 discussions on sustainable development, humanitarian response, technological progress and climate cooperation — priorities that reflect the nation’s vision for a stronger and more inclusive future.
The UAE’s united presence at UNGA80 reaffirmed its enduring role as a bridge-builder in international diplomacy. Stay up to date on the UAE’s foreign policy initiatives and the long-standing UAE-US partnership by visiting the UAE Embassy website.