A/76/PV.73 General Assembly

It is my sad duty to pay tribute to the memory of the late President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who passed away on 13 May. On behalf of the General Assembly, I should like to convey our condolences to the Government and the people of the United Arab Emirates and to the bereaved family of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. (spoke in Arabic) At the outset, I would like to convey my deepest condolences to the Government and the people of the United Arab Emirates on the passing of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. May his soul rest in peace. (spoke in English) Today we gather to pay our respects to His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. On behalf of the General Assembly, I wish to convey our deepest condolences to the Government and the people of the United Arab Emirates, as well as to the family of the departed leader. Under Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visionary leadership, the United Arab Emirates has emerged as a regional economic powerhouse, a global player and the first Arab nation to send a mission to Mars. With the late President’s strategic foresight and political wisdom, complemented by healthy ambition and a genuine desire to achieve socioeconomic progress, the United Arab Emirates has today evolved into an aviation, finance, education, renewable energy, technology, culture and tourism hub, making available world-class education and training opportunities for all Emiratis and enabling women to play their role in serving society, working side by side with their male compatriots in every area of national assignment. We are also part of the late President’s visionary approach to governance. While we talk about the social contract in the Secretary-General’s report Our Common Agenda (A/75/982), His Highness Sheikh Khalifa understood implicitly the importance of the social contract between the ruling family and the people and always sought to find ways of honouring and developing it. The Khalifa Housing Fund is a fine example of that social contract, which provides affordable financing to meet the demand for housing. His Highness was a strong advocate for the primacy of diplomacy and dialogue in maintaining peace and stability in the region and promoting multilateralism and global solidarity to address complex issues. He believed in empowering women through increased participation in decision-making and ensured gender parity in high-ranking Government positions. In fact, according to the World Bank, the United Arab Emirates has the highest level of women participating in the workforce of any country in the Middle East and North Africa region, at 57.5 per cent in 2020. He embraced the tenets of sustainable development to build a modern, vibrant nation, guided by the vision of his late father, His Highness Sheikh Zayed. Sheikh Khalifa’s larger-than-life legacy demonstrated sheer political will and astute political and economic acumen. He showed the world that transformative leadership is all about genuine compassion for his people and the region; he showed the courage to break barriers; and he showed a clear vision for the future. I also wish to extend my very best wishes to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as the new President of the United Arab Emirates. Let me conclude by quoting the late President of the United Arab Emirates: “The Union is the fruit of a good tree planted by our fathers, who dreamed of the idea with hope, took care of it with their dedication to raise the flag of the Union as high as they could and strengthened its pillars. They are really the spirit of the Union.” (spoke in Arabic) May God bless a man who loved his people and his nation, and may God forgive his wrongdoings. May God bless the earth that will embrace his body. May he live in eternal paradise. May his soul rest in peace. (spoke in English) I now invite representatives to stand and observe a minute of silence in tribute to the memory of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

I now give the floor to the Secretary-General.

I wish to begin by reiterating my deepest condolences to the royal family, the Government and the people of the United Arab Emirates following the passing of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Over three decades ago, Sheikh Khalifa reflected on the influence of his father, Sheikh Zayed, the founder and first President of the United Arab Emirates. “My father is my teacher”, he said, “I learn something from him every day, following his path and absorbing his values and the need for patience and prudence in all things”. Sheikh Khalifa learned those lessons well. Building on the foundations laid by his father, he led the United Arab Emirates with patience and prudence through the dramatic metamorphoses and, out of the arid desert, created some of the great metropolises of our world. I will always remember the generosity of the Sheikh and the Emirati people towards those in need. The exponential increase in support for multilateral humanitarian action  — testament to a rich giving tradition  — has saved countless lives and galvanized others to give as well. While the tremendous wealth of the Emirates sprang from its oil wells, Sheikh Khalifa recognized the imperatives of sustainable development and climate action to protect our planet for future generations. He ramped up investments and research into renewable energy to diversify the country’s energy mix and lower its carbon footprints. I was awed by my visit to the world’s largest single-site solar power plant, Noor Abu Dhabi, with its more than 3 million solar panels stretching across the desert. It was therefore only logical that the International Renewable Energy Agency  — the first international organization focusing exclusively on renewable energy and playing such a vital role supporting countries in their transition towards a future world powered by sustainable energy — would find itself in Abu Dhabi. Last year, the United Arab Emirates became the first country in the Middle East to pledge net- zero emissions by 2050. Next year, the United Arab Emirates will host the twenty-eight Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change: further proof of a commitment to help us advance climate action at the speed and scale our world needs. At this time of mourning, let us take inspiration from the prudence and patience His Highness demonstrated throughout his life. Let us recall his advice that “preparing for the future, near or far, starts today, not tomorrow”. In that spirit, let us strengthen our partnership with the United Arab Emirates under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Let us honour the memory of Sheikh Khalifa. And let us build the world of peace, prosperity and dignity for all that he always tried to help build.

I now give the floor to the representative of Mauritania, who will speak on behalf of the Group of African States.

It is with proud respect that, on behalf of the Group of African States, I pay tribute to His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, who passed away on 13 May. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan leaves behind an important legacy through his major contribution to the development of the United Arab Emirates and international humanitarian efforts throughout the world. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s leadership and vision at home led to key advancements in many important areas. His efforts helped to shape his nation, securing strong international engagement and partnerships. Under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa, the United Arab Emirates donated hundreds of millions of dollars to humanitarian operations, not only in the Middle East but also in many African countries. The United Arab Emirates leadership and funding has saved lives and galvanized others to participate in coordinated humanitarian action. Under Sheikh Khalifa’s leadership, the United Arab Emirates has also become an important contributor on humanitarian issues, helping to improve the lives of people around the world. Sheikh Khalifa’s efforts to promote dialogue, harmony and peace will be long remembered. In conclusion, I would like to extend my sincere condolences to Sheikh Khalifa’s brave family and to the people and the Government of the United Arab Emirates.

I now give the floor to the representative of Oman, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Asia-Pacific States.

At the outset of this statement, which I deliver on behalf of the Group of Asia-Pacific States, which my country currently chairs, I convey my sincere condolences to the Government and the brotherly people of the United Arab Emirates on the passing on Friday, 13 May of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. May his soul rest in peace. Allow me to highlight the life of our dear deceased, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who spent his life in the service of his country, his people, his nation and the world at large. Since he came to power in 2004, the United Arab Emirates has experienced constant development in all areas. As a result, his country has achieved a high level of progress and prosperity at the regional and international levels. I would also like to underscore the fact that the deceased was a major supporter of sustainable development in his country. That has made the United Arab Emirates one of the most stable and prosperous countries in the Middle East. His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan supported security and stability in the region and worldwide. He left a tangible mark on many issues of interest to his country and the world. We would like to recall his legacy as a supporter of humanitarian action. The Khalifa bin Zayed Foundation for Humanitarian Works is but one example of the wealth of actions that will go down in history with letters of gold as he helped those in need in the United Arab Emirates and many countries of the world. In conclusion, we are gathered in this solemn Hall to speak in one united voice and pay tribute to a leader whose life touched us all. He was a person who was known for his wisdom and moderation. We wish his successor, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the brotherly people of the United Arab Emirates all prosperity and development. May God rest the soul of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan in peace and bless his successor, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return.

I now give the floor to the representative of the Czech Republic, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Eastern European States.

I have the honour to take the floor on behalf of the Group of Eastern European States. It is with great sadness that we received the news of the passing of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates. On behalf of the members of the Group of Eastern European States, I would like to express our deepest condolences to the people and the Government of the United Arab Emirates. Sheikh Khalifa became the president of the United Arab Emirates in 2004, but he had worked tirelessly for the welfare of the United Arab Emirates since its founding. He contributed greatly to this country’s economic, social and cultural development. As president, he became a highly respected leader and world-renowned politician. He actively engaged in advocating security around the world and kept strong ties with neighbours in the region. Sheikh Khalifa was a tireless advocate of peace, tolerance and moderation. His passing is a huge loss not only for the United Arab Emirates and its people, but also for the wider world. Our thoughts and sympathy are with the family and friends of Sheikh Khalifa. May he rest in peace.

I now give the floor to the representative of Peru, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States.

On behalf of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States, I have the honour on this solemn occasion to pay tribute to the life of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the late President of the United Arab Emirates, who followed the example of his father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, in working to consolidate the union of the Emirates that now comprise his country and bring about its modernization and stability based on a very dynamic economy in the region. That contributed to the country’s transformation into a regional power. Throughout his life, His Highness was dedicated to serving the United Arab Emirates and its people, bringing prosperity to the country. He was also noted for being a good listener, modest, affable and interested in his people. Upon his election as president, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa developed the first strategic plan for the Government of the United Arab Emirates to achieve balanced and sustainable development with a view to ensuring prosperity for his people. Since the beginning of his term of office in 2004, he promoted the current high level of development of the oil and gas hydrocarbon sector and processing industries, which contributed significantly to the success of the economic diversification of his country. Equity and fairness were always his benchmarks, which is why he implemented an initiative that allowed the legislative authority to improve the selection of members of the Federal National Council through direct elections. Always concerned about his people, he undertook extensive visits to the northern Emirates to study their needs. As a result of his contact with his people on those visits, he promoted several social projects related to housing, education and local services. The Latin American and Caribbean States and their representatives at the United Nations recognize the legacy and selfless service of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan to his country, which we are sure will be remembered for generations to come. We express our heartfelt condolences to his family and to the people and the Government of the United Arab Emirates. May they find solace in the enduring legacy that he has left behind.

I now give the floor to the representative of Denmark, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Western European and other States.

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of Western European and other States. We received with commiseration the news of the passing of His Highness President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan on 13 May. On behalf of the Group of Western European and other States, I would like to extend our sincere condolences to the United Arab Emirates, its people and the family and friends of the deceased. Sheikh Khalifa was a widely respected leader in his home country, the Middle East and around the world. During his 18-year-long reign, Sheikh Khalifa showed strong commitment to enhancing economic growth and modernizing the country, so that it could become the second-largest economy in the Arab region. We commend and pay tribute to the comprehensive work done in the areas of health and education during his reign. That prioritization is truly fundamental to ensuring sustainable development and has proved especially valuable during the coronavirus disease pandemic. Allow me, on behalf of the Group of Western European and other States, to once again extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and to the United Arab Emirates and its people.

I now give the floor to the representative of the United States of America, who will speak on behalf of the host country,

Last week, we were deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. And today, on behalf of the United States, I want to offer my heartfelt condolences to his family and to the people of the United Arab Emirates. During Sheikh Khalifa’s rule, the United Arab Emirates made important strides in empowering women and girls. And the late President led efforts to diversify the Emirati economy through bold economic reforms that transformed the United Arab Emirates into one of the most modern economies in the Middle East. Throughout his rule, the United Arab Emirates was a strong friend and partner to the United States. And under his leadership, the United Arab Emirates military deployed alongside the United States military in Afghanistan, working hand in hand to meet a threat to international peace and security that still occupies the attention of the Security Council. While we mourn his passing, I know his legacy and his commitment to partnership between our countries will carry on. And in that spirit, we look forward to working closely with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. In this difficult and sad time, the United States stands with Sheikh Khalifa’s family and with all Emiratis as they mourn this great loss.

I now give the floor to the representative of Kuwait, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Arab States.

I would like to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of Arab States. We are meeting today to bid farewell to a symbol who has always been known to the international community, one of the symbols of the Arab nation who belongs to the pioneering generation of founding leaders, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. May God have mercy upon him. He left us on Friday, 13 May, but his legacy will remain. Following the reign of his father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founder of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa led the country from 2004 through a critical and important period for the Emirates and the Arab region. During his reign, the United Arab Emirates made economic, scientific and civilizational progress that we may all attest to, as well as achieving major human-based social development and notable work in providing humanitarian assistance, while also supporting various countries and peoples at the regional and international levels. During his long reign of more than 50 years, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan witnessed the major events of the Arab region in its contemporary history, which he dealt with wisely and responsibly. The United Arab Emirates played a supportive role during those events in maintaining the stability and development of the Middle East region. The late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan left a clear impact on many of those events. In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that the world has bid farewell to a wise leader with a sense of humanity, who left a country and people occupying a distinguished position in various spheres. I ask God Almighty to inspire the brotherly people of the United Arab Emirates and the Arab and Islamic nations with patience and solace. May God rest the soul of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan in peace, and bless His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, guiding him in realizing benefits for his country and the world at large.

I now give the floor to the representative of Pakistan, who will speak on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The OIC mourns the death of the President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on Friday, 13 May. We extend our sincere condolences to his family, the people of the United Arab Emirates and to the entire Islamic Ummah on this great loss. During his 18 years as the ruler of Abu Dhabi and the President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan dramatically transformed his country. After being elected President in 2004, His Highness launched his first strategic plan for the Government of the United Arab Emirates to achieve balanced and sustainable development in order to ensure the prosperity of all United Arab Emirates nationals. His key objective as President of the United Arab Emirates was to continue on the path laid down by his father, whose legacy, he said, “will continue to be the beacon guiding us into the future — a prosperous future, where security and stability will reign”. True to his father’s example, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan quickly became known, and loved, for his regular tours of the regions and other emirates, listening to requests and complaints and taking swift steps to answer them. He started several initiatives and decisions, aiming to improve the quality of life and achieve the nation’s highest priorities and development goals. Those initiatives included the Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award, the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, the Sheikh Khalifa Award for Education and establishing the Debt Settlement Fund. His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan also continued to ensure that the United Arab Emirates pursued an active foreign policy. He was a strong supporter of the OIC and Muslim unity. He also demonstrated his commitment to building relations with other countries and partners from across the globe, including Asia, Europe, the Americas and Africa. He also showed a strong commitment to providing assistance to those in need internationally. The Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation provided generous humanitarian assistance in times of natural disasters, responding immediately by sending help after events such as the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the 2005 earthquake that devastated much of northern Pakistan. Paying respects to the life and legacy of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the OIC fondly recalls his services to his nation and country, which will forever remain etched in history. The world has lost a wise and visionary leader. We offer our condolences to his successor, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and we wish him every success as he guides the people of the United Arab Emirates on the path of peace and prosperity.

I now give the floor to the representative of Saudi Arabia, who will speak on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

I am honoured to deliver this statement on behalf of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, namely, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Sultanate of Oman, the State of Qatar and the State of Kuwait. The States of the Gulf Cooperation Council would like to offer their sincere condolences and sympathy to the ruling family of the United Arab Emirates and to the Government and the people of the United Arab Emirates on the passing of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. May God rest in peace the soul of the President of the United Arab Emirates, who passed away after a long life of service to his people, his homeland, the Arab and Islamic nations and the international family. With the passing of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the United Arab Emirates, the Arab and Islamic nations and the entire world have lost an exceptional leader and a wise man, who devoted his life to the building of a State and to the service of humankind, as well as to continuing the development initiated by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Under his reign, the United Arab Emirates became a leading model to be followed in all areas worldwide. His legacy and noble principles of generosity and tolerance became a beacon for future generations. Throughout his reign, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan supported every effort aimed at strengthening the power and the unity of the Gulf Cooperation Council. He took great care to place the bilateral and fraternal relations of the United Arab Emirates at the service of the Council to tackle the various regional and international challenges. The life of this great deceased person was filled with many successes. During his reign, the United Arab Emirates was able to strengthen its position and its effective role on the regional and international scenes. Committed to resolving conflicts among States through dialogue and peaceful means, it also succeeded in forging strong relations with the countries of the world on the basis of mutual understanding and respect. It always sought truth and justice, while supporting international stability and peace and promoting human coexistence and tolerance. The United Arab Emirates has not hesitated to participate in and support all efforts aimed at preserving security in the Gulf and the Arab region. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan built many bridges of brotherhood and cooperation in all fields and at the political, economic and other levels. Through his leadership, he brought benefits to the entire world and made the United Arab Emirates the best supporter of its brothers and friends throughout the world. Today we must recall the threats and existential challenges faced by many Arab States in recent years, during which the United Arab Emirates stood alongside its sisterly Gulf States to support stability in them from a political, economic and military standpoint and in all diplomatic and humanitarian fields. In conclusion, we are confident that the United Arab Emirates, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, will continue the path begun by his predecessor in order to ensure solidarity at the Gulf, regional and international levels, as well as to support development and peace in the world. Our sincere condolences go to the Al Nahyan family and to the Government and all citizens of the United Arab Emirates. We pray to God to have mercy upon Sheikh Khalifa while wishing every prosperity and glory to the leadership and the people of the United Arab Emirates.

I now give the floor to the representative of the United Arab Emirates.

At the outset, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to you, Mr. President, for having convened this meeting to pay tribute to the late President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. May God rest his soul in peace. I also thank Secretary-General António Guterres, all Member States and the Chairs of the regional groups for their heartfelt condolences. Their words demonstrate the deep ties between our countries, which His Highness played an outstanding role in strengthening. The Government and the people of the United Arab Emirates are filled with sorrow and grief over the death of our leader and father, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on 13 May. Our deceased has left his country and the Arab and Islamic nations after an honourable life characterized by his generosity and a dedication to serve his nation and humankind. Sheikh Khalifa was a wise leader and a symbol of peace. He was a role model for our generation, with his humility and humanity. He had a long record of national and international achievements, which began even before he assumed the presidency in 2004. As the leader of the United Arab Emirates, he was keen to follow in the footsteps of the country’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, in building the country and a prosperous future for its people. He was a firm believer in the importance of investing in human development, supporting sustainable development and encouraging innovation. He once said: “Our hopes for our country have no limits, and our aspirations for our citizens are boundless.” During Sheikh Khalifa’s rule, the United Arab Emirates witnessed unprecedented achievements in a variety of fields. The Hope Probe, which was built by young Emiratis, reached the orbit of Mars. Our economy made significant progress. He also supported investments in science, technology, innovation and renewable energy. Sheikh Khalifa also left his mark through his political empowerment programme, including by convening the first Federal National Council elections in 2005, where today 50 per cent of the representatives are women. Under the leadership of Sheikh Khalifa, Emirati women have assumed the highest positions and are active partners in the domestic and international policymaking process. His Highness also believed in the capability and potential of youth. As such, he ensured that investment in their skills and talents is a key pillar across the country’s policies. Sheikh Khalifa was a true advocate for peace. He believed in the principles of tolerance and peaceful coexistence. His initiatives in that regard included the first visit of Pope Francis to the Arabian peninsula, which resulted in the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together. His Highness was always keen to provide humanitarian assistance to affected peoples regardless of their race, colour or creed. That commitment can be seen, for example, through the aid provided by the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, as well as the country’s provision of medical aid to more than 135 countries during the coronavirus disease pandemic. One of the most prominent marks left by His Highness is a deep and broad network of strong international partnerships. His Highness believed in the common destiny of humankind and the importance of multilateralism. He was keen to embed the principles of good-neighbourliness, mutual respect and commitment to international law in the foreign policy of the United Arab Emirates. His Highness also championed just humanitarian causes and made historic decisions that opened up new opportunities for peace in a region that has witnessed turmoil. Sheikh Khalifa made repeated calls for the use of mediation, dialogue and diplomacy to resolve disputes. Sheikh Khalifa’s achievements will serve as a firm foundation for Imarati generations to build upon as we continue our journey under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and the best leader to guide the United Arab Emirates towards achieving prosperity and development, with the support of his brothers the rulers of the Emirates. In conclusion, I reiterate our sincere appreciation to all countries for their sympathy during this sad event for the United Arab Emirates. Their sympathy demonstrates the love and respect that everyone had for His Highness. May God rest his soul in peace. We belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return.