UN praises Emirates as "generous and reliable partner" and Expo Dubai 2020 as a pillar for implementing the SDGs

United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed commended the leadership of the United Arab Emirates for delivering a meaningful World Expo, despite the challenges caused by the pandemic, describing the Dubai Expo 2020 as a strong pillar for implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on the road to Agenda 2030.

Visiting Expo 2020 Dubai as part of the United Nations Day of Honour on Sunday, Mohammed was welcomed by Reem al-Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai, and Najeeb Mohammed al-Ali, Executive Director of the Office of the Commissioner General of Expo Dubai 2020. 

Amina Mohammed noted that "with 192 nations represented, the Expo is an auspicious occasion to commemorate 76 years of multilateralism ... of nations and people working together for a better world for all, guided by our founding document, the Charter of the United Nations". "I am very happy to see that sustainability is a common theme in all the pavilions and that the SDGs are incorporated in many of the Expo presentations," she said.

"I offer my sincere thanks and acknowledge the leadership of the UAE for bringing the world together, here at the Expo, and for doing so with such grace, efficiency and inspiration, and for being a generous and reliable partner for the United Nations in our humanitarian and development cause," remarked Amina Mohammed, who also praised Reem al-Hashimy, describing the Expo 2020 director general as an inspiration and an incredible leader.

"I have seen you put on paper what the aspirations of this nation are and make them a reality here. That is leadership. At a time when there is a dark cloud, you have presented a real vision of what we can do to recover better, of how the world can look beyond the UAE, beyond its neighbourhood, to this global community. You have given hope and a sense of dignity to all who have participated in this Expo. On this incredible day for the UN, of which we are all a part, we need you; we need that hope to carry with us".

Najeeb Mohammed al-Ali also noted that we need to recognise "the critical role of the United Nations in driving action for real change through the value and power of multilateralism". "Located in the District of Opportunity, the #UNHub examines how to unlock the potential of people and communities to create positive change for people and the planet," he said.

"The #UNHub also focuses on programming that champions international cooperation and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the Decade of Action. The United Nations has partnered with Expo 2020 Dubai through comprehensive programming and a series of cultural events and activities that engage visitors of all ages and backgrounds, complementing and expanding the Expo 2020 People and Planet Programme," he added. 

The UN Day of Honour is marked with a variety of events at Al-Wasl Plaza and the #UNHub, including a cultural performance by the Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra (EYSO), a group of young musicians from the UAE and the Arab world dedicated to nurturing the musical talents of youth, and the opening of a photography exhibition marking the UN's 76th anniversary.

The exhibition, #TheWorldWeWant, will be open until the conclusion of Expo 2020 and has been selected from more than 50,000 images from over 130 countries. It is located in the Mission Possible Plaza in the Opportunity Pavilion, directly opposite #UNHub, which also hosts a special SDG art exhibition, featuring original pieces by artists from around the world, aimed at inspiring action and understanding of the SDGs.

The National and Honour Days at Expo 2020 Dubai are moments to commemorate each of the more than 200 International Expo Participants, shedding light on their culture, achievements, and programming. Each features a flag-raising ceremony at the Stage of Nations in Al-Wasl Plaza, followed by speeches and cultural presentations.

Running until 31 March 2022, Expo 2020 has invited visitors from around the globe to join in the creation of a new world in a six-month celebration of human creativity, innovation, progress, and culture.

Text, photos, and video: Expo Dubai 2020.