NEW YORK: Reem Al-Hashimy, the UAE’s Minister of State for International Cooperation, emphasized the crucial role of international organizations in resolving global crises. She noted that significant reforms were necessary to strengthen these institutions, address geopolitical tensions, and find peaceful solutions to pressing issues.
During her address at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Al-Hashimy highlighted the challenges faced by the UN Security Council in reaching consensus, even on humanitarian matters, due to geopolitical tensions. She called for comprehensive and meaningful reforms in areas such as the use of the veto, the expansion of permanent and elected members, working methods, and crisis anticipation and resolution capabilities.
Having witnessed the Security Council’s operations during the UAE’s membership over the past year, Al-Hashimy stressed the need for strong political will to drive these reforms. She emphasized that divisive divisions and the emphasis on differences should be avoided.
UAE Minister Acknowledges Role of Regional Organizations
In addition to reforming the Security Council, Al-Hashimy urged member states to work toward enhancing the effectiveness of not only the UN but also international organizations in general. She described the UN as the “first line of defense” in preventing the international order from descending into polarized political conflicts.
Al-Hashimy also acknowledged the significant role that regional organizations could play in supporting global endeavors and political processes, given their understanding of local contexts.
Al-Hashimy concluded by stressing that global challenges were increasingly interconnected, and no single country or organization could address them in isolation. Collaboration and reform were essential to tackle the complex issues facing the world today, she said.
