An official U.A.E. delegation led by the Ministry of Economy has participated in the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) public symposium held recently at the Palais de Nation in Geneva, Switzerland.
Marking the 50th founding anniversary of UNCTAD, the symposium was attended by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and Mukhisa Kituyi, Secretary- General of UNCTAD, in addition to a number of ministers and diplomats from the member states of the United Nations.
The U.A.E. delegation included Obaid Salem Saeed Nasser Al Zaabi, U.A.E. Ambassador to the United Nations and International Organisations in Geneva, Hani Al Hamli, General Secretary, Dubai Economic Council, Aisha Al Kubaisi, Director of International Organisations Affairs in the Ministry of Economy, Badr Al Mushrikh, Manager of the U.A.E. Office at World Trade Organisation (WTO), as well as representatives from the Abu Dhabi Council for Economic Development, Dubai Economic Council, Department of Economic Development in Abu Dhabi, and the Department of Economic Development in Dubai.
Speaking of the ministry s participation, Aisha Al Kubaisi said, "The symposium coincides with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of UNCTAD. The plenary session discussed challenges facing sustainable development, which is one of the main goals of the UNCTAD. We also explored methods to increase cooperation and integration among states.
"UNCTAD plays a major role in supporting developing countries in maximising the benefits of international trade, facing the challenges of globalisation through integrating them into the global economy on an equitable basis, and sustainable development efforts." The symposium examined challenges hindering the development process to identify practical ways to address these challenges. It also aimed to contribute to the UN General Assembly discussions on the post-2015 development agenda with a series of plenary sessions and break-out meetings that brought together government officials, civil society and other stakeholders.
Al Hamli, General Secretary, Dubai Economic Council, said, "The U.A.E. has actively engaged in resolving international trade, investment and development issues. The symposium offered a viable opportunity for government officials, as well as academics and private sector businesses from 194 countries to come together for an open and interactive discussion pertaining to international issues that impact development, enabling them to exchange opinions, expertise and best practices." Aisha Al Kubaisi held a meeting with Ukhisa Kituyi, Secretary-General of UNCTAD, during which they discussed mutual cooperation between the Ministry of Economy and UNCTAD.
The U.A.E. delegation also participated in a number of meetings and seminars that discussed UNCTAD s efforts in achieving sustainable development. Ways to enhance international cooperation towards achieving the post-2015 development agenda and the use of trade as a viable means to sustainable development and a brighter future for the world at large were further reviewed.