UAE, UN Host Virtual Gathering With OIC Members, Call For Solidarity
Fahad Shabbir (@FahadShabbir) Published May 25, 2020 | 09:00 PM
NEW YORK, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 25th May, 2020) Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General, and Lana Nusseibeh, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the UAE to the UN, recently co-hosted a virtual gathering of the Group of Member States of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC Group) and senior UN officials to discuss and reflect on global solidarity, peaceful co-existence and shared responsibility during the current health and humanitarian crises and the positive role Muslim communities are playing in responding to this global emergency.
As the Chair of the OIC Group, the UAE co-hosted the virtual gathering with Secretary-General Guterres, which, due to the pandemic, took place in lieu of the Secretary-General’s annual tradition of visiting Muslim communities during the holy month of Ramadan.
During the event, Secretary-General Guterres emphasized the importance of our common humanity as the world collectively responds to the pandemic. He said: "We need solidarity in speaking out against the rise in ethno-nationalism, stigma and hate speech targeting vulnerable communities and exacerbating suffering. You have my total commitment to actively challenge inaccurate and harmful messages, promote non-violence and reject anti-Muslim bigotry, hate and all forms of intolerance. I salute the efforts of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity for the 14 May Global prayer for Humanity inspired by the interfaith leadership of His Holiness Pope France, the Grand Imam of Al Azhar Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tayyeb and many others."
"This crisis is a reminder that today, more than ever, we need global peace. In this context, I would like to commend the timely appeal of the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for a global ceasefire– a brave and a much-needed initiative," said Ambassador Nusseibeh. "While uncertainty and economic insecurity can be a breeding ground for xenophobia, religious bigotry, and other forms of discrimination, it is important to remind ourselves that in a pandemic no one is safe until everyone is safe.
In the face of such a far-reaching global health crisis religion must not be used to further polarize us, but rather help bring us together in solidarity."
At the gathering Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, President of the 74th Session of the UN General Assembly, said, "Solidarity remains our first line of defence. I urge the OIC and indeed all Member States to continue to reinforce the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. I trust that the OIC will continue to be a voice of reason and moderation for international peace and security, justice and sustainable development. As we come to the end of Ramadan, I trust that we will guided by the values of this holy month and the principles of the Charter of the United Nations to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbours."
In addition to the Members of the OIC Group, UN Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser of the Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide Adama Dieng, UN Under-Secretary-General for Internal Oversight Service Fatoumata Ndiaye, and UN Assistant Secretary-General for middle East, Asia, Pacific Mohamed Khaled Khiari were also in attendance.
The UAE assumed the chairmanship of the 46th Session of the Council of the Foreign Ministers of the OIC in March 2019. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, faith communities in the UAE and around the world are balancing public health and safety as well as religious practice. During these new circumstances, technology has allowed for diplomacy and religious observation to continue, connecting people from all around the world despite social distancing constraints.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Tennis: ATP Barcelona Open results - 1st update
Swiatek's perfect 10 in Stuttgart as Vondrousova stuns Sabalenka
Arandu's roads closed due to flooding
Oil tanker catches fire in Islamabad’s Blue Area
Pakistan committed to ensure safety of foreign nationals: FO
Tennis: WTA Stuttgart results - 1st update
Four passengers injured as train hit an empty vehicle
Over- speeding bus crushed to death two bike riders
Turkey's Freedom Flotilla ready to set sail for Gaza
French teen dies from heart failure after knife attack near school
Iranians appear unfazed by Isfahan blasts
UAF celebrates Int'l Chinese Language Day
More Stories From Middle East
-
UAE announces ‘Zero Bureaucracy Program’ to reduce bureaucracy
3 months ago -
COP28 President-Designate welcomes Transitional Committee agreement to operationalise Loss and Damag ..
6 months ago -
Global Media Congress 2023 to feature Co-Production Majlis as a new networking platform
6 months ago -
Young female athletes shine at Abu Dhabi World Youth Jiu-Jitsu Championship
6 months ago -
King of Jordan receives Abdullah bin Zayed and ministers participating in Arab coordination meeting
6 months ago -
Abdullah bin Zayed participates in coordination meeting of Arab foreign ministers, joint meeting wit ..
6 months ago
-
3rd annual conference of Emirates Society of Clinical Microbiology kicks off in Dubai
6 months ago -
SIBF 2023 hosts Nobel laureate to discuss emergence of ‘Afrofuturism’ in global discourse
6 months ago -
ALC announces winners of Kanz Al Jeel Award 2023
6 months ago -
SIBF turns spotlight on remarkable contributions of women
6 months ago -
Global assets in spot bitcoin ETFs hit $4.16 billion
6 months ago -
Rescuers struggle to find Nepal quake survivors as deaths reach 157
6 months ago