In an insightful address on the role of the United Nations in resolving conflicts, Lana Nusseibeh, the UAE’s Minister of State and candidate for UN Secretary-General, proposed a leadership vision advocating for effective UN engagement. Stressing the importance of saving lives before casualties arise, she argued that diplomatic success should not be measured by the number of meetings held, but by the ability to prevent outbreaks of violence and foster sustainable resolutions.
A Call for Preventive Diplomacy
During her presentation at the UN Headquarters in New York, Nusseibeh initiated a deeper discussion on the future of international crisis management and the vital role of preventive diplomacy in averting political disputes before they escalate into warfare. She outlined her commitment to collaborating with global partners to build trust and revitalise the UN’s efforts through charitable initiatives, while recognising the inherent value and dignity of every human being. Her advocacy for early intervention redefines the concept of diplomatic success. In numerous international crises, mediation efforts are often gauged by their ability to broker ceasefires amidst conflict rather than stemming the tide of violence before it begins.
A Clear Message
Lana Nusseibeh sent a lucid message to the world: preventive diplomacy is paramount in preventing conflicts and deserves significant attention. “Taking early action to prevent crises is far more effective than managing them post-eruption,” she stated. The UAE’s candidate for the top UN position laid down a roadmap for global peace, urging the UN to prioritise preventive diplomacy in its future strategies. This approach would allow conflicting parties to de-escalate tensions with minimal political cost. Mediation serves as a critical tool in preventive diplomacy, not solely aiming for immediate comprehensive agreements but also facilitating communication, clarifying intentions, and averting war. The UAE has firmly positioned dialogue, good offices, and peaceful settlement at the core of its foreign policy, striving to promote international peace and security through amicable dispute resolution. This proactive stance provides a much-needed positive signal amidst regional and global challenges.
The Costs of Delayed Action
Nusseibeh’s statements present a clear equation: the longer diplomatic action is delayed, the higher the costs of conflict soar, and the slimmer the chances of resolution become, leading to an escalation in human casualties. The UN faces challenges that extend beyond the multitude of wars and crises; it also involves its capacity to influence state decisions. In such contexts, preventive diplomacy becomes increasingly urgent, necessitating a more agile UN response that empowers field operators with the necessary resources and authorisations while fostering collaboration with regional mediators capable of reaching conflict parties.
Addressing Root Causes
From Nusseibeh’s perspective, the benchmark for mediation success should also include addressing the political grievances that spawn conflicts to prevent temporary cessation of violence from becoming a mere pause before renewed hostilities. Consequently, mediation success should not just be evaluated by the agreements it fosters but also by its ability to prevent crisis escalation. Effective mediation can always navigate beyond the strategic calculations of nations, but failing to intervene politically as crises worsen only complicates and increases the costs of finding solutions, leaving mediators with dwindling options. Preventive diplomacy constitutes the first line of defence against crises, emphasising early initiatives to prevent disputes from erupting into armed conflicts or to limit the spread of existing ones.
A Broader Political Path
Nusseibeh defended her vision for the UN as not merely a series of temporary, ineffective solutions but as actionable steps that can lay the foundation for a broader political pathway if built upon and followed through. She advocated for partnerships with regional mediators and organisations trusted by conflict parties rather than assuming that the international body must lead every mediation process independently. This illustrates a fundamental tenet of the UAE’s experience: the true value of mediation lies not in its activation post-conflict but in leveraging diplomatic relationships to unlock opportunities and promote understanding in disputes, setting the stage for de-escalation and bloodshed prevention.
UAE’s Strategic Approach
The UAE’s vision focuses on preventive diplomacy as a strategic choice through constructing negotiation pathways that transform tensions into opportunities for understanding. This vision calls upon thought leaders to engage deeply with the outlined principles, presenting a roadmap for UN settlements. The UAE perceives mediation not as a situational tool but as one of the foundational principles of its foreign policy, allowing the state to access influential powers and facilitating dialogue with other stakeholders often beyond the reach of major world powers. This approach has amplified the UAE’s acceptability as a mediator and expanded its operational latitude.
Diplomatic Achievements
The UAE has established itself as a hub for mediation and conflict resolution, boasting commendable achievements recognised globally. Its significant contributions have been pivotal in fostering peace, security, and stability across several regions. Notably, the UAE has facilitated 27 mediation efforts during the ongoing war in Ukraine, highlighting its strong bilateral relations with both Russia and Ukraine, resulting in the exchange of 8,537 prisoners through these mediations.
With a rich track record in mediation, the UAE’s diplomatic positions have garnered respect and recognition from countries worldwide, the UN, and international human rights organisations, establishing it as a nation to rely on for peace, security, and sustainable development.