New York – December 1, 2014

Your Excellency Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, Permanent Representative of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations,
Excellencies,
Mr. Secretary-General,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am pleased to join you in this iconic setting to celebrate the 43rd National Day of the United Arab Emirates. In particular, I thank Ambassador Nusseibeh for her kind invitation to say a few words.

First and foremost, I congratulate the Permanent Representative, and through her, His Highness Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Government and people of the United Arab Emirates on this day, and wish you a happy anniversary.

On this occasion, I commend the United Arab Emirates on the monumental progress it has made in its socio-economic transformation. I also welcome the UAE’s keen interest in supporting the work of the United Nations, including the priorities we set out for the 69th Session of the General Assembly.

The UAE has shown leadership in a number of areas that are high on the United Nations’ agenda, including climate change. As you recall, the UAE hosted the Abu Dhabi Ascent meeting last May to help build momentum ahead of the Secretary-General’s Climate Change Summit. I have had the privilege of visiting UAE’s Masdar City, planned to rely on solar energy and other renewable energy sources, and contributing to addressing climate change.

Excellencies,

Starting January next year, we will embark on the historic undertaking of formulating a transformative and inclusive post-2015 development agenda, to harness opportunities for sustainable development and tackle a diverse range of challenges.

As we set out on the unprecedented journey to create a better future for all, the active participation of all Member States and all stakeholders, including civil society, private sector, and academia will be critical. We need to ensure that the interests and aspirations of all people are adequately reflected in the future development agenda.

Together, we have the potential to set the world on a path toward sustainable development; and change the way we live, both now, and for generations to come.

I thank you