Lt. Colonel Dana Humaid, Director General of the International Affairs Office, Ministry of Interior
Mr. President,
Excellencies,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
I am happy to represent the UAE at today’s Panel on ‘Novel Approaches to Peace Operations and Potential Domains of Conflict’. Hosting the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice is a significant honour for the UAE, a nation deeply committed to the rule of law, peace, and stability.
We are in an ever-changing world. Understanding the geopolitical, economic and regional factors affecting the security of states is vital. The UAE’s harmonic policy, which established its foundations by our late father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan – May God rest his soul – was instrumental in resolving numerous global and regional issues.
The UAE’s journey of empowerment and development continues with the vision, support, and oversight of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, alongside His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE.
Hence, we affirm our commitment at the Ministry of the Interior of the United Arab Emirates to see and support the wise leadership in continuing cooperation with all countries of the world and international organizations and institutions, especially in the fields of security and policing, in combating crime of all kinds. We appreciate the strategic partnership with the United Nations Police and its efforts in the United Arab Emirates-led Global Law Enforcement Initiative for Climate (I2LEC for short).
In an ever-evolving global landscape, traditional peacekeeping methods are increasingly being tested. The nature of conflict has transformed, driven by rapid technological advancements, shifting geopolitical dynamics, and the emergence of new, complex threats.
To effectively address these challenges, we must adopt innovative approaches to conflict prevention and peace operations, grounded in a comprehensive understanding of the potential domains of conflict. In this context, we were pleased to build training capacity within the law enforcement agencies by hosting UN peacekeeping Police Training of Trainers (TOT) in the UAE earlier this year. Enhancing the knowledge and skills of personnel who will be deployed to UN peacekeeping missions is of utmost importance, especially in the context of the integration of technology.
Furthermore, the “Managing the Performance of UN Police Commanders in Peacekeeping Operations” workshop hosted in Abu Dhabi for the last two years, reflecting our unwavering commitment to excellence in law enforcement.
Your Excellencies, esteemed delegates, our sponsorship of the UNCOP 2024 underscores our dedication to fostering international cooperation in policing standards.
Looking ahead, we are working closely with our partners at the United Nation Police to host the “Managing the Performance of UN Police Commanders in Peacekeeping Operations workshop” again for the third year in a row, and we would like to include Women empowerment, peace and security events as well, which reinforcing our commitment to excellence and international cooperation.
The use of artificial intelligence, drones, and advanced surveillance systems can significantly enhance our ability to monitor conflict zones, predict potential escalations, and respond swiftly to emerging threats. The UAE has always been an advocate for harnessing these technologies to improve the effectiveness of peace operations.
AI For Safer Children (AI4SC) is a collaborative initiative by the UAE Ministry of Interior and UNICRI, designed to combat online child sexual exploitation and abuse. It offers a global hub for law enforcement to access AI tools, share knowledge, and enhance their capabilities, promoting ethical and effective prevention measures.
We are proud to pledge our unconditional support to the UN Police to help build capabilities of host countries in child protection through the AI For Safer Children initiative.
Another emerging domain of conflict is environmental security. Climate change exacerbates resource scarcity, displaces populations, and increases competition for land, water, and other natural resources, thereby fueling conflict. Peace operations must now consider environmental factors as integral to conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts. The UAE, recognizing the profound impact of climate change, therefore, initiated “the International Initiative of Law Enforcement for Climate” in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, with an aim to enhance and promote sustainable practices and investing in renewable energy.
The UAE firmly believes that multilateral cooperation remains the cornerstone of effective peace operations, as well as conflict prevention and peacebuilding. We must continue to work together, leveraging our collective strengths and resources to address the multifaceted challenges of contemporary conflicts. The United Nations, with its mandate and global outreach, is best positioned to coordinate these efforts. it is important for us to collectively support innovative approaches to peacekeeping and foster a culture of cooperation and mutual respect in order to chart a course towards a more peaceful, secure, and prosperous world for all.
Thank you.