Message from the UN Resident Coordinator for the UAE on the Launch of the 2022 Annual Report

While leveraging a broad scope of mandates from the United Nations entities working in and with the UAE, the year 2022 presented new opportunities for the UN Country Team to strengthen its long-standing partnership and engagements in the country. This report highlights the achievements and contributions of the United Nations in its joint work with the UAE through its high-level policy advice, technical advisory support, regional and national programmes, and humanitarian outreach. The UN Country Team in the UAE has ensured the UAE's full engagement across the UN system mandates, strategically positioning them globally.

The UN Country Team provides technical advisory engagement to support the UAE's national priorities and vision, allowing the UAE to share its expertise and know-how regionally. This report showcases many such initiatives that have an impact in the UAE and beyond.

In 2022, there was a significant resurgence of diplomatic engagements in the UAE, capitalizing on Expo2020 and the global reopening following the COVID-19 pandemic. The UAE received over 100 high-level United Nations official missions, participating in various UN, UAE, and international engagements. This intensity of engagement cements the UAE's role in international diplomacy and multilateral dialogue on key issues facing the international community.

Expo2020 provided the UN Country Team with the opportunity to disseminate and advocate for global issues, including the SDGs. Global Goals week was held at Expo2020 for the first time outside of UN Headquarters in New York, significantly increasing our visibility and impact even beyond the UAE. The SDG through the Arts advocacy campaign, piloted in the UAE, is now being replicated worldwide.

The UAE's diversity of population provides a unique platform for advocacy and outreach that extends beyond its borders. Messages shared in the UAE are shared in countries around the world.

Policy dialogues with counterparts and stakeholders on addressing the looming climate crisis and investing in preparedness and anticipatory action systems have expanded. The UAE's logistical infrastructure capabilities are instrumental in shortening the current first response cycle.

The need for humanitarian assistance has increased by 40% in 63 countries around the world over the past year alone, with climate change compounding these challenges. The UAE hosts the United Nations' largest humanitarian response operation, servicing increasingly complex humanitarian needs across the planet.

In 2021, the UAE was designated as the host of COP28, providing an opportunity for engagements and coordination on climate action. Strengthening global action to combat climate change on the road to COP28, which will be held in the UAE in late 2023, is crucial. It is expected to be the largest United Nations gathering to date, dedicated to accelerating global cooperation in climate action.

As UN Resident Coordinator in the UAE, I take pride in the achievements of the UN Country Team and their dedication to strengthening partnerships in the UAE. I express gratitude to the UN Country Team for their cooperation and collaboration, as well as my team in the UN Resident Coordinator's Office for their support in positioning the United Nations effectively in the UAE and beyond.

Dr. Dena Assaf United Nations Resident Coordinator for the UAE

The Annual Results Report for 2022, can be found here.