Hanif praises UAE for renovating UN hall in Geneva

GENEVA, 6th July 2016 (WAM) --- Chairman of the Geneva Centre for Human Rights Advancement and Global Dialogue, Dr. Hanif Al Qasim, has praised the UAE's initiative of funding the renovation of Conference Hall 17 of the Palais des Nations (the United Nations Office at Geneva), overseen by the UAE Ministry of Presidential Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. He said the initiative reflects the support extended by the UAE to the international role that the United Nations plays at various levels. Al Qasim was speaking as he toured the hall, renamed Emirates Hall. He was accompanied by Permanent Representative of the UAE to the United Nations and other International Organisations in Geneva, Ambassador Obaid Salem Al Zaabi. Since it was founded by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE has been seeking to play a vital role in international cooperation based on respect of the UN's principles, rules and laws in all spheres, namely humanitarian action, he noted. He further noted that President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, follow up the effort. The UAE, he said, has a comprehensive vision for promoting the values of tolerance, cooperation and solidarity among peoples. Al Qasim said this was reflected, for example, by the renewal of its membership in the Human Rights Council. Ambassador Al Zaabi explained that the design of the Emirates Hall was inspired by the emblem of the UAE. It reflects the traditional and cultural values of Arabic calligraphy and the country's futuristic vision, he added. He noted that the renovated hall which cost US$22 million features the latest broadcast, communications and simultaneous translation technologies. Emirates Hall is one of the 32 halls at the United Nations Office at Geneva, and one of the four largest halls in the building which hosts about 9000 meetings and 28000 participants every year. – Emirates News Agency, WAM - http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates/1395297479886.html