50 Years of Strategic Partnership: The United Nations and the United Arab Emirates Working Together for a Better Future

On 9 December 1971, just seven days after its formal nationalization, the United Arab Emirates’ flag was raised over the United Nations Square, after the country was accepted as the 132nd Member State of the United Nations. Since then, the partnership journey of the United Nations and the UAE continues to flourish, reflecting a deep commitment to achieving a better world.

More than 50 years into this compelling partnership and it has not lost its momentum, despite the challenges and turbulence the world has faced in recent years. There is still much to be achieved for the world and, if anything, the COVID19 pandemic has proved that across regions we all face common challenges.

The UAE and the United Nations work together through a set of programmes and initiatives under the umbrella of global humanitarian aid, peace and security, climate and biodiversity, partnerships for a better world, global participation and other engagements of national and global priorities.

The United Nations Country Team for the UAE engages with UAE counterparts focusing on policy-level technical cooperation and advisory support for the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); advocacy, outreach, and mobilization in support of shared objectives and internationally-agreed frameworks; and humanitarian relief operations.

Furthermore, the deep commitment to development and humanitarian assistance of the UAE is seen through significant contributions to relief and development projects around the world. The UAE's dedication to the SDGs is core to the work at home and abroad. The country works collaboratively with other member states to ensure that the United Nations body is representative of the world today and capable of addressing current and future challenges. Furthermore, as a current Security Council member, the UAE plays an active role in efforts concerning climate change, the women, peace, and security agenda, international law, and peacekeeping.

Together for a Better Future Exhibition

The breadth of the United Nations – United Arab Emirates partnership was illustrated in an exhibition, frequently put on display at the UN Hub in the Opportunity Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Visitors were taken on a visual journey, where key moments are exhibited to demonstrate the partnership and joint collaborations, as well as the UAE’s strategic support towards the impactful work of the United Nations agencies who are working on key thematic areas. These include environment and climate action, partnerships for a better world, global humanitarian aid and COVID-response, peace and security, innovation and technology, global participation and engagements, and future ambitions.

“We wanted to highlight to visitors at Expo2020, who may be wondering what the role is of the United Nations in the UAE, the key areas of our cooperation and the presence of the UN Country Team working in and with the UAE on various issues,” said Dr. Dena Assaf, the United Nations Resident Coordinator for the United Arab Emirates and Deputy Commissioner General for the UN at Expo 2020 Dubai. “From working on climate action, to the role of women in peace and security, to working on humanitarian aid and global issues, our partnership is rooted in helping create a better world for all.”

The exhibition highlights the strategic alignment between the United Nations and the UAE and tackles the multiple efforts towards achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and supporting the UAE’s strategic vision over the next 50 years.

Join us for a visual journey and take a glimpse at the many success stories over a period of 50 years and beyond.

You can find the online version of the Exhibition here.