On Saturday 24th September 2022, HE Reem Al Hashimy made history as she became the first woman to deliver a speech for the UAE at the UN General Assembly. It was at the 77th UNGA that the minister of state for international cooperation conveyed the UAE’s approach to a variety of global issues in relation to world peace and working collaboratively.
In her speech, Al Hashimy said, “We are on the cusp of a new phase in the international order. In the UAE, we are determined for this phase to be guided by peace, recovery, and prosperity as part of a global order based on solid international relations. Through these ties, we can explore new paths for joint cooperation in the fields of economy, sustainable development, advanced technology, and research.” Continuing, “This is the approach that my country is pursuing while implementing its foreign policy, an approach that governs our bilateral relations and our participation in international multilaterals. An approach that defines our current membership of the UN Security Council.” Her speech comes after the UAE joining the Security Council for a two-year term, and serving as its president in June 2023.
HE Reem Al Hashimy also addressed the UAE’s “firm position calling for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the June 4th, 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital in accordance with agreed international references.” She said, “We also welcome the statement of the Prime Minister of Israel from this podium regarding support for a two-state solution.” Going on to speak about issues that have affected Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Al Hashimy spoke about “vicious and aggressive attacks” by Houthi militias earlier this year in Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia. “As governments, we must represent the best model for our peoples in strengthening the values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the face of escalating attempts to spread hate speech around the world.”
Climate change was also an issue addressed by Al Hashimy as she spoke about the importance of investing in renewable energy, stating, “Investing in renewable energy means investing in economic resources, international peace and security, and the future of coming generations. In this regard, we must leverage opportunities to forge practical, logical, and thoughtful solutions to the climate crisis.” She continued, “The 27th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP27) to the UNFCCC, which will be held in the Arab Republic of Egypt in November, is a prime opportunity in this regard. As we urge all Member States to actively participate in this session, the UAE is preparing to host COP28 next year. We are working to build partnerships, ensure inclusiveness, and focus on areas that will achieve meaningful outcomes.”
Her Excellency concluded her speech by stating that the UAE “will continue to forge ahead with its efforts at the humanitarian, diplomatic, and developmental levels to support peoples affected by crises and disasters, regardless of religious, ethnic, political, or cultural considerations.”
