Delivered by Maryam Al Nuaimi
New York, 15 October 2025
Mr. Chair,
At the outset, the United Arab Emirates is pleased to express its gratitude to the International Law Commission for its efforts within the agenda item entitled “Protection of Individuals in the Event of Disasters.” We also appreciate the continued cooperation among Member States to strengthen legal and institutional frameworks for the protection of human life and dignity in times of crisis.
In light of the increasing impacts of natural and human-made disasters, as well as emergencies related to climate change, the UAE reiterates its belief that effective protection of individuals in the event of disasters can only be achieved through enhanced international cooperation based on solidarity and coordinated efforts, and by modernizing comprehensive recovery mechanisms and relevant legal frameworks to ensure effective cooperation, full respect for humanitarian principles, and the protection of the most vulnerable groups.
Mr. Chair,
In this context, my country welcomes the adoption by the General Assembly of resolution 79/128, reflecting the collective will of the international community to promote effective measures for disaster risk reduction, preparedness, and response. We also express our support for the resolution’s emphasis on international cooperation and building resilient societies capable of recovering from crises.
Mr. Chair,
Artificial intelligence and advanced technology play a key role in responding to natural disasters, particularly as governments launch complex responses that require rapid collection and assessment of information to support recovery efforts. Therefore, we in the UAE, believing that technology can enhance these efforts, have developed a digital platform to support governments’ ability to better coordinate international support after disasters. This platform serves as a central point for information exchange and integrates artificial intelligence technologies to enable affected countries to determine the type and quantity of aid required in affected locations in a timely manner.
We take this opportunity to highlight the vital role women and girls play in all phases of disaster management, from participating in rescue teams to assuming leadership roles in their communities. Their resilience and knowledge are valuable assets for effective response and long-term recovery. However, opportunities for their participation remain limited. That is why, the UAE continues to advocate for the full, equal, and effective participation of women and girls at all levels, as essential partners in society and an integral part of effective and sustainable crisis management.
Mr. Chair,
The UAE remains deeply committed to humanitarian action. In coordination with international partners, we have provided comprehensive emergency aid supplies, including food, clean water, shelter, and medical support. Most recently, our coordinated response included air and sea shipments of more than 167 metric tons of aid, supporting approximately 80,000 affected individuals. We have also deployed specialized Emirati search and rescue teams to several locations, directly contributing to rescue and stabilization operations. This response reflects our unstinting commitment to humanitarian principles and to supporting communities in need, regardless of geographic location.
We are proud to highlight the remarkable achievements that reflect the UAE’s leadership in disaster preparedness, including its hosting of the World Crisis and Emergency Management Summit 2025 in Abu Dhabi and the launch of the “Generation Readiness Exhibition” during the summit. This exhibition aims to raise awareness and enhance the crisis response capabilities among children and students through interactive activities and educational materials, enhancing their preparedness to face any future emergency challenges. We also believe that preparedness is a shared responsibility that must include all segments of society, not just women and girls, but also youth, families, and entire communities.
Mr. Chair,
In conclusion, the United Arab Emirates reaffirms its unwavering commitment to building global resilience through cooperation, innovation, and inclusion. This requires not only operational preparedness but also legal clarity. Therefore, we support, in principle, the continued development of international legal frameworks that define the rights of affected persons, the responsibilities of States, and the principles governing cross-border humanitarian assistance.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.