UAE Leadership Advances Strategic Priorities at UN General Assembly
Senior UAE officials engaged in pivotal diplomatic discussions during the second day of the 81st UN General Assembly session, addressing education financing, energy cooperation, pandemic preparedness and regional peace initiatives.
The United Arab Emirates’ delegation participated in an extensive programme of high-level meetings during the second day of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on 25th September, 2026, furthering the nation’s engagement across critical global priorities.
Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President, addressed the Asia Society, speaking before an assembled audience of business leaders, diplomats, journalists, and current and former government officials in conversation with Dr. Kevin Rudd AC, Global President and CEO of the Asia Society.
Education financing featured prominently in the UAE’s agenda, with Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, attending the ‘Multiply Possibility High-Level Event: A New Era for Education Financing’ organised by the Global Partnership for Education, an initiative co-led by Italy and Nigeria. Ms Al Hashimy highlighted the nation’s efforts to mobilise resources for the world’s leading multilateral education fund, underscoring the UAE’s commitment to strengthening educational access globally.
The Minister also attended a High-Level Briefing for the Board of Peace, where she reaffirmed the UAE’s support for implementing the Comprehensive Peace Plan for Gaza and emphasised the nation’s dedication to international cooperation.
Energy sector advancement was prioritised through a meeting between Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, during which the officials reviewed bilateral energy ties and explored opportunities to deepen sectoral cooperation.
Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, participated in the Office of Development Affairs Roundtable, engaging senior leaders in substantive dialogue on development cooperation and international partnerships.
Global health resilience commanded attention, with Ahmed Al Sayegh, Minister of Health and Prevention, attending the ‘Preparedness that Protects’ side event focused on strengthening pandemic preparedness through robust health systems and essential healthcare continuity. Mr Al Sayegh also participated in the GAVI Leap Dialogue High-Level side event, engaging global health leaders on vaccine equity, health system strengthening, and accelerated immunisation for vulnerable populations.
Dr. Amna Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, attended the Sixth Summit of the International Crimea Platform, which reaffirmed the United Nations’ central role in protecting international peace and security and upholding principles of international law, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Regional humanitarian concerns were addressed through Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, who participated in a High-Level Roundtable Meeting on Sudan convened by the African Union Permanent Observer Mission and the U.S. Mission. The Minister reiterated the UAE’s support for an urgent humanitarian truce and the restoration of a civilian-led peace process.
Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan and Maqsoud Kruse, Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Countering Extremism & Terrorism, participated in the Call to Action for Palestinian Children in the West Bank and Gaza, with Mr Kruse emphasising the importance of unobstructed humanitarian access and civilian protection under international humanitarian law.
Khalifa Al Marar, Minister of State, delivered remarks at the Ministerial Meeting between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations at Singapore’s Permanent Mission, affirming the strategic importance of deepening the GCC-ASEAN partnership.
Finally, Saeed Al Hajeri, Minister of State, attended the 19th Ministerial Meeting of the Global Governance Group, where substantive discussions advanced dialogue on formulating and implementing policies for building national artificial intelligence capabilities.
Source: WAM