UAE renews commitment to UN principles, values

The UAE, out of its strong commitment to the United Nations principles and values, will continue to endeavour to ensure economic prosperity that will lead to better living conditions for all regions of the world, Shaikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, has said.

By (Wam)

Published: Mon 28 Oct 2013, 1:05 AM

Last updated: Fri 3 Apr 2015, 4:46 AM

Addressing a reception hosted by the UN Office in the UAE to mark the 68th anniversary of United Nations Day, Shaikh Nahyan said: “I am pleased to join this celebration of the founding of the United Nations in 1945. The achievements of the UN and its family of specialised agencies have been spectacular, particularly in regard to human rights, support in areas of famine, eradication of disease, promotion of health, and settlement of refugees. No one can deny that the work of the UN has been a tremendous force for good in our world.”

The UAE joined the UN just seven days after becoming an independent nation in December 1971, he pointed out.

“We have benefited from the advice provided by many UN agencies, and we have been steadfast in our support of the UN mission. For example, next week, as you know, our government will host in Abu Dhabi the International Atomic Energy Agency as it conducts its vitally important International Conference on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources.

“Along with the other members of the UN, we look forward to when the top priorities around the world are those devoted to the fulfilment of the basic human needs of safety, security, food, good health, and shelter to all members of our global society. In far too many places, however, we find evidence that those are not current priorities. Cultural differences and economic difficulties derail cooperation and lead to bitter competition. It sometimes appears that our cultural, economic, and political differences have become sources of intractable conflict, rather than the basis for mutual respect and the common ground for solving global problems.

“...It will be our strong commitment to the UN principles and values that will ensure an economic prosperity that will lead to better living conditions for all regions of the world. It will be our strong commitment to UN principles and values that will help our global citizens enjoy more healthy lives. It will be our strong commitment to UN principles and values that will help us address important environmental issues such as global climate change, waste management, recycling, potable water, and renewable energy sources. It will be our strong commitment to UN principles that will improve education of our young men and women so that all people around the globe can participate in today’s emerging knowledge-based economies. And it will be our strong commitment to UN principles that will promote peace, justice, tolerance, and human dignity around the world.”