UN Secretary-General pays tribute to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed

• Published date: 20 May 2022
• Publication title: LETA

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has reiterated his deepest condolences to the Al Nahyan family, the Government, and the people of the United Arab Emirates on the passing of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

In a statement before a special memorial session held by the United Nations General Assembly, "Tribute to the Memory of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan," Guterres said that over three decades ago, Sheikh Khalifa reflected on the influence of his father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE's founder and first president.

Guterres touched on some of Sheikh Khalifa's quotes, when he said, "My father is my teacher," he said. "I learn something from him every day, follow his path and absorb from him his values, and the need for patience and prudence in all things."

The UN Secretary-General said that "Sheikh Khalifa learned these lessons well."

He continued, "Building on the foundations laid by his father, he led the United Arab Emirates - with patience and prudence - through a dramatic metamorphosis and out of the arid desert created some of the great metropolises of our world.

"I will always remember the generosity of the Sheikh and the Emirati people towards those in need."

Guterres said that the exponential increase in support for multilateral humanitarian action - testament to a rich giving tradition - has saved countless lives and galvanized others to give as well.

"And while the tremendous wealth of the Emirates sprang from its oil wells, Sheikh Khalifa recognised the imperatives of sustainable development and climate action to protect our planet for future generations," he said, noting that the late...