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On 1 December 2015, the UAE Mission to the United Nations celebrated the UAE’s founding with a reception in honor of National Day. Dozens of Permanent Representatives to the UN attended the reception, as well as senior UN officials – including UN Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson – and leaders from the greater New York City community.

In her remarks at the reception, Ambassador Lana Nusseibeh, Permanent Representative of the UAE to the United Nations, noted the country’s close ties to the international organization, “One week after its founding, the UAE joined the United Nations. Since our nation’s beginning, the values of the UAE have been in harmony with the principles of the UN Charter.”

Turning to current problems facing the international community, the Ambassador stated, “We meet in troubled times – most immediately our efforts are dedicated to the urgent fight against extremism and terrorism.” She continued, “There are many less urgent but important challenges confronting us today – for example, the global humanitarian crisis and the fight against climate change – that can only be resolved when we come together as a community of nations in multilateral fora like the UN.”

Etihad Airlines generously supported the evening’s festivities, which included henna painting and a live performance from a traditional Ayala dance troop. In addition, Etihad Senior Vice President Hareb Al Muhairi presented 10 round-trip tickets to Ambassador Nusseibeh for the UAE Mission to the UN’s public diplomacy efforts.

At the reception, Ambassador Nusseibeh confirmed the opening of a UAE Consulate in New York in 2016 to be led by Consul General Majid Al Suwaidi.

“Your presence here tonight is a testament to the UAE’s strong connection not only to the United Nations community, but also with the City of New York,” said Ambassador Nusseibeh to the audience.