According to the Emirates News Agency, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, held separate meetings in New York with ministers from Argentina, Papua New Guinea, Guatemala, Georgia and El Salvador along with the executive secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development. The discussions covered key topics on the agenda of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly while exploring enhanced cooperation within international organisations to advance global sustainable development goals. A United Nations assessment has previously highlighted that such multilateral engagements remain critical for progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals with member states seeking coordinated action on shared priorities. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that the talks also examined opportunities to deepen partnerships across economic trade investment education food security health cultural technological renewable energy and climate sectors.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan underlined the UAE’s keenness to foster constructive global cooperation and multilateral action to address shared challenges consolidate peace and stability in societies and achieve sustainable development for peoples according to the official account of the meetings. The conversations further addressed current regional and international developments with a particular focus on the situation in the Middle East and its broader repercussions for international peace and security. Data from the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs places the current General Assembly session as a pivotal forum where participating nations review progress on climate action and humanitarian priorities amid ongoing global tensions. In a related meeting Sheikh Abdullah also engaged with Cindy McCain the Executive Director of the World Food Programme to review coordination on humanitarian challenges facing several regions.
The gatherings took place on the sidelines of the high-level General Debate where the UAE delegation has emphasised the importance of collective solutions to pressing issues including climate change and conflict resolution. A previous PwC review of Gulf states’ international engagement noted the UAE’s consistent emphasis on expanding diplomatic ties to support economic diversification and sustainability objectives across developing regions. Officials from the UAE side who attended the sessions included the Minister of State for International Cooperation and the Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology who contributed to discussions on advanced technology and climate initiatives. The ministry’s statement highlighted how these bilateral exchanges align with the UAE’s long-standing commitment to international partnerships that promote stability and prosperity.
Sheikh Abdullah welcomed his counterparts while expressing the UAE’s steadfast commitment to strengthening bonds of friendship with nations worldwide and pursuing further cooperation in areas that match shared development aspirations. The meetings build on a pattern of UAE diplomatic activity at the United Nations where the country has participated in successive sessions to advocate for humanitarian access and innovative approaches to global challenges. Figures compiled by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development show the UAE as one of the leading Arab donors of official development assistance with contributions that have supported food security and health projects in numerous partner countries over the past decade. Discussions with the foreign ministers also touched on artificial intelligence and renewable energy as sectors where joint initiatives could yield mutual benefits.
In parallel with the ministerial meetings the UAE has taken part in high-level events at the General Assembly including those focused on the Summit of the Future and commemorations marking the organisation’s milestones. The Foreign Ministry has stated that such engagements allow for constructive dialogue on bridging digital divides and enhancing climate resilience particularly for vulnerable states. Sheikh Abdullah’s schedule in New York reflects the UAE’s broader diplomatic strategy of leveraging multilateral platforms to address both immediate regional concerns and long-term global objectives.
