UAE Elected to UN Security Council

In September 2020, the United Arab Emirates stepped forward to announce its campaign for a seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The exciting news was revealed at the UN General Assembly in New York by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

During the event, the Foreign Minister released the following statement: “Mr. President, Our faith in the role of the United Nations and its organs, especially the UN Security Council, in maintaining international peace and security is unwavering. We expect the United Nations to play an effective and vital role in addressing and resolving conflicts and strengthening states’ fortitude through a framework that ensures respect for the national sovereignty of states and non-interference in their internal affairs. Our region, which suffers from serious crises and conflicts, urgently needs a more effective method to confront these crises and disputes based on deep rooted solutions backed by the international community.”

UAE elected to UN Security Council
Less than one year later, the UN General Assembly elected the UAE as one of five new members to serve on the council between 2022-2023. The newly elected members will soon join 10 other powerful nations, including five permanent members: the United Kingdom, United States, China, France and Russia. Together, they will strategize how to best maintain international peace and security over the next two years.

In celebration of this milestone, UAE Ambassador to the UN Lana Nusseibeh, pledged:

“During the two years that we serve on the Council, our team here in New York, in Abu Dhabi, and across the globe will seek to work constructively with fellow Member States to overcome divides and make demonstrable progress in addressing the most critical challenges of our time. From building resilience to climate change, to tackling global health crises and pandemics, to harnessing the potential of innovation for peace, the UAE is committed to approaching its work on the Council with the spirit of collaboration and partnership. I also congratulate Albania, Brazil, Gabon, and Ghana on their successful election to the Security Council today and look forward to working together to build a more peaceful, secure, and inclusive future for all.”

The UAE has been a member of the UN since it was founded in 1971 and previously served the Security Council between 1986-1987. As an intergovernmental forum, the Security Council is considered the UN’s primary organization for diplomatic crisis-management and conflict prevention.
Starting January 2022, the Emirati government will have a prominent voice and vote in the UN’s legal decisions including sanctions, military force and peacekeeping initiatives. The 15-member body will regularly meet to discuss, debate and solve 21st century security challenges. This includes everything from human rights and democracy to global threats against peace such as terrorism and nuclear nonproliferation.
The UAE is a model for multilateralism and global cooperation. Building on this foundation, Emirati government officials are beyond proud to finally return to the UNSC to help create a more resilient and secure global future for all people.
To stay up-to-date with the UAE’s role on the UN Security Council, visit the UAE Mission to the UN.