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Thank you Madame Chair,

At the outset, I would like to congratulate you on assuming the chairmanship of the work of the Second Committee during the 77th Session of the General Assembly, wishing you success and best wishes as Chair.

Madame Chair,

The world stands in front of a turning point, as countries continue recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, which has impacted all countries around the world without exception. The UAE is working continuously towards overcoming all the harm caused by the pandemic, whether economic, developmental, or humanitarian. The UAE continues to work side-by-side with all countries to protect our accomplishments, while working towards sustainable development. In light of this, the importance of international cooperation has become more evident than ever, as well as the vitality of developing and strengthening joint international efforts in order to ensure that rebuilding phase post-pandemic is successful, strong, and more sustainable.

We have all witnessed the severe impacts of conflict on the world. These disturbances negatively impact our aimed goal, which is working towards green and sustainable development, and providing a safe and decent living for our nations.

The UAE’s priorities during the work of the Second Committee would include:

First, women’s empowerment and ensuring that they are an integral part of the economic growth phase. The UAE continues to work to support and benefit from the important and central role of women in continuing to build society, the economy, and strengthen the UAE’s foreign policy, as well in the global economy and international forums. These efforts have culminated in Emirati women’s achievements at various levels.

Second, the UAE sees the importance of developing its educational framework. Therefore, the project of “Generation Schools” Network was announced in July of this year. The Network aims to develop public schools in the UAE, and operations have resumed in September 2022. The initiative merges a delicate balance between national curricula in the Arabic language and social studies, and international curricula on subjects such as mathematics and sciences. Applying this new educational system comes at no extra cost, as the government of the UAE has financed all operational and student fees, in order to invest long-term in the country’s youth.

Third, the UAE reiterates the importance of continuing to develop international cooperation that aims to stand in the face of global threats, including hunger and poverty. To achieve this, the UAE has presented almost 10 thousand tones of medical and food aid to countries in need since the beginning of this calendar year, which reflects our serious outlook on the need to help all countries and nations without bias or discrimination.

Fourth, the UAE continues to give upmost importance to combatting climate change and its impacts whether on the security, economy, or social aspects. In order to meet its promises in this regard, the third unit of the Barakah Nuclear Plant in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi became operational on 23rd September 2022. This accomplishment strengthens the role of power plants and brings us closer to climate neutrality. On a similar note, we have started to redirect focus towards hosting the 28th Conference of the Parties, COP-28, which will be hosted in the UAE between 6 and 17 November 2023. We wish Egypt all the success in hosting COP-27 next month in Sharm Al Sheikh. We hope, through hosting next year, to be one step closer to achieving the vision towards greater carbon neutrality by 2050.

Madame Chair,

I conclude my statement by stressing and reiterating the UAE’s continued efforts towards reaping tangible benefits across pressing global concerns, with the hope to simultaneously achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Thank you.