Tanzania and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have agreed to strengthen their cooperation within multilateral institutions in Geneva, including the United Nations Human Rights Council. The agreement was reached during a meeting between Tanzania's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva, Ambassador Dr Hoyce Temu, and her UAE counterpart, Ms Shahad Matar. The meeting focused on cooperation and mutual support within international organisations and mechanisms.
The meeting, held at the UAE Mission in Geneva, comes as Tanzania prepares for its upcoming Universal Periodic Review (UPR). Ambassador Temu briefed Ms Matar on Tanzania's preparations for the review and national efforts to promote and protect human rights. The UPR is a Human Rights Council mechanism through which the human rights record of each UN member state is reviewed every four and a half years.
Ms Matar reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to constructive engagement and expressed her country's support for Tanzania during the review. The two diplomats also discussed cooperation on water and sustainable development, including preparations for the 2026 UN Water Conference, which the UAE will co-host in Abu Dhabi. The conference aims to accelerate progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation.
Ambassador Temu commended the UAE for hosting the conference and confirmed Tanzania's participation in a high-level meeting. She said water and sanitation remained priorities for Tanzania as it accelerated implementation of its national development plans. Tanzania's participation in the conference reflects its commitment to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The 2026 UN Water Conference will follow the 2023 UN Water Conference and aims to build on progress made towards water-related goals. Both sides agreed to maintain close communication ahead of the UPR session and the Water Conference, with a view to securing successful outcomes for their countries and the wider multilateral system.
The meeting reaffirmed Tanzania and the UAE's commitment to multilateralism, international solidarity, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The two countries have demonstrated their commitment to working together within international organisations to promote peace, security, and sustainable development.
The agreement between Tanzania and the UAE reflects a growing partnership between the two countries. Key areas of cooperation include human rights, water, and sustainable development. The two countries will work together to promote their national interests and contribute to global efforts to achieve sustainable development.
Key points
- Tanzania and UAE agree to strengthen cooperation within multilateral institutions in Geneva
- The two countries will cooperate on water and sustainable development, including the 2026 UN Water Conference
- Tanzania and UAE reaffirm their commitment to multilateralism and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
