The UAE has cemented its position as a strong and influential actor on the global scene, recognized worldwide for its constructive engagement and leadership across a range of key international domains. Its presence has become a key contributor to international decision-making and its governing frameworks at the political, economic, and development levels

These achievements are the culmination of decades of principled diplomacy and a forward-looking foreign policy founded by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and carried forward by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates. This approach has been guided by a steadfast commitment to promoting global stability, advancing peace and security, supporting sustainable development, fostering a culture of dialogue, upholding international law, and building enduring strategic partnerships, whether political, economic, commercial, cultural, and scientific, with countries across all regions of the world

In this context, the election of H.E. Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais as Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization for the 2026-2029 term represents a historic milestone for the United Arab Emirates and a testament to its strategic vision in supporting international efforts to advance a sustainable and responsible global tourism sector. As the first woman to assume this position since the organization's establishment in 1975, her election, backed by 35 member states, reflects the depth of international confidence in Emirati leadership and expertise, as well as the UAE's growing role in shaping global policy agendas and future-oriented frameworks within multilateral institutions

The significance of this achievement lies within a broader national trajectory aimed at enhancing the participation of Emirati women in leadership positions within regional and international organizations. This is reflected in the election of H.E. Hashima Yasser Al Affari, Member of the Federal National Council, as Chair of the Arab Parliamentary Union's Committee on Social Affairs, Women, and Children, as well as the selection of three Emirati leaders for the World Economic Forum's Young Global Leaders (Class of 2025): H.E. Shamma bint Suhail Faris Al Mazrui, Minister of Community Empowerment; H.E. Meera Sultan Al Suwaidi, Member of the Federal National Council; and Tuka Waddah Alhanai, Assistant Professor of Computer Engineering at New York University Abu Dhabi. It is further underscored by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi's presidency of the International Publishers Association.

In another significant international milestone underscoring the UAE's global standing, the International Union for Conservation of Nature formally endorsed the nomination of H.E. Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak for a second term as President of the Union during its 113^th meeting in Gland, Switzerland, in 2024. First elected in 2021, she became the first president from West Asia and the second woman to lead the organization in its more than 75-year history, highlighting the UAE's leadership role in global environmental action

The contribution of Emirati talent to international organizations extends beyond female leadership to include distinguished male national figures with an established track record in strengthening the UAE's global standing. The election of the UAE's candidate, Lieutenant General Dr. Ahmed Nasser Al Raisi, as President of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) for the 2021-2025 term, marked a significant milestone for the UAE. His tenure underscored the UAE's enhanced role in international security cooperation and reflected the international community's confidence in Emirati leadership, institutional professionalism, and steadfast commitment to the rule of law and the protection of societies

In another landmark achievement underscoring the UAE's leadership on pressing global issues, H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, was appointed President of the 28^th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), hosted by the UAE at Expo City Dubai in late 2023. The conference culminated in the "UAE Consensus," a historic agreement endorsed by 198 parties worldwide, setting new benchmarks for global climate action

Across key global sectors, the UAE has continued to bolster its international presence as a trusted partner in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. For the first time, the country won the presidency of the General Assembly of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), and secured membership on its Executive Board

Within the global energy and climate agenda, the UAE signed a permanent headquarters agreement with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), establishing Abu Dhabi as its home. This made the UAE the first country in the Middle East to host an international organization dedicated to renewable energy, reinforcing its role in accelerating the global transition to clean energy and reflecting its respected standing in the international community and leadership in advancing innovative, sustainable energy solutions

Looking ahead to 2026, the UAE is preparing to co-host the United Nations Water Conference in partnership with the Republic of Senegal, an initiative aimed at accelerating progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6-ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all

The UAE also successfully hosted Expo 2020 Dubai, the first World Expo held in the region, under the theme "Connecting Minds, Creating the Future," with the participation of 192 countries and a focus on opportunity, mobility, and sustainability. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the UAE delivered a world-class event, further cementing its reputation as a global hub for innovation and collaboration, with the Expo site subsequently transformed into a smart, sustainable city

These accomplishments are further complemented by the UAE's presidency of the OPEC Fund for International Development Ministerial Council, its leadership of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme regulating the global diamond trade, and the election of Dr. Abdullah Al Mandous as President of Regional Association II of the World Meteorological Organization, collectively reaffirming the UAE's influential role in shaping global directions across critical sectors impacting the future of development

On the political and diplomatic front, the UAE has firmly established its active presence in international forums. It was elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2022-2023 term and has secured membership in the Human Rights Council for three consecutive terms. In addition, the UAE has participated as a guest in the G20 Summits on six occasions: France (2011), Saudi Arabia (2020), Indonesia (2022), India (2023), Brazil (2024), and South Africa in 2025

The UAE also participated for the second consecutive year in the BRICS Summit and meetings in 2025, following its official accession to the group in 2024, an engagement that underscores the country's steadfast commitment to multilateralism and to strengthening international cooperation grounded in partnership and constructive dialogue, in support of global development, peace, stability, and prosperity

Moreover, the UAE participated in the second summit between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as well as the trilateral summit bringing together the GCC, ASEAN, and China, both hosted in Kuala Lumpur on May 26 and 27, 2025. This participation underscored the UAE's growing role as a constructive bridge between East and West, and as a key partner in shaping the political and economic trajectories of the region and the wider international community