On July 15, 2026, amid the ongoing sessions of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) High-Level Ministerial Segment, top diplomatic representatives from Haiti and the United Arab Emirates held a pivotal meeting to map out a new era of bilateral partnership. The discussion, led by Haiti’s Minister of Planning and External Cooperation Sandra Paulemon and acting UAE Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Ghasaq Shaheen, centered on expanding collaboration across multiple high-priority sectors that align with Haiti’s long-term stabilization and development goals.
Minister Paulemon opened the conversation by welcoming the UAE’s growing engagement with Haiti, highlighting the recent opening of Haiti’s embassy in Abu Dhabi as a landmark milestone in deepening bilateral ties. The appointment of Ambassador François Guillaume II to the post, she noted, formalizes the diplomatic presence that will underpin future cooperation between the two nations.
During the meeting, Paulemon outlined a clear slate of priority areas where Haitian leaders are seeking Emirati partnership. Key topics included capacity building for the Haitian National Police, a large-scale affordable housing program for both police officers and internally displaced persons, construction of a new 5,000-capacity prison, technology and knowledge transfer in rapid sustainable construction, electrification for public schools and hospitals, and support for Haiti’s national stabilization, economic, social and territorial recovery program.
Of particular strategic importance, Paulemon emphasized, is the proposed large-scale housing initiative. Beyond addressing the immediate need for low-cost housing to alleviate Haiti’s growing displacement crisis, she argued that Emirati expertise in innovative rapid and sustainable construction would provide a critical opportunity for skills transfer that empowers local Haitian construction firms long into the future.
Paulemon also formally requested UAE support for Haiti’s upcoming national elections, asking for both financial and technical assistance to strengthen Haitian institutional capacities and ensure a smooth, credible electoral process. She additionally raised the prospect of bilateral budget support to back the Haitian government’s efforts to deliver on its national development priorities.
In response, Ambassador Shaheen commended the clear, forward-looking vision laid out by the Haitian delegation. She expressed confidence that the opening of the Haitian embassy in Abu Dhabi will mark a new chapter in bilateral relations, creating the framework needed to launch tangible, impactful development projects between the two countries.
Shaheen committed to relaying Haiti’s cooperation proposals to the UAE’s Ministries of Defense and Interior, specifically regarding potential support for the Haitian National Police, the Haitian Armed Forces, and the proposed prison construction project. She also highlighted the UAE’s major advances in digital technology and online learning, including the country’s ongoing National Data Action Plan public policy initiative, and confirmed the UAE stands ready to share its technical expertise and global experience across a range of strategic sectors for Haiti’s benefit.
Looking ahead, high-level Haitian officials including Minister Paulemon and Haitian Minister of Foreign Affairs Raina Forbin will soon travel to the UAE for the official inauguration of the new Haitian embassy in Abu Dhabi. During the visit, the delegation will hold a series of high-level bilateral meetings with top Emirati officials including the UAE Minister of International Development and Minister of Foreign Affairs, as well as other regional leaders. The talks will focus not only on deepening Haiti-UAE ties but also on expanding partnership between Haiti and Gulf states more broadly, identifying new collaboration opportunities and advancing major development projects aligned with Haiti’s national priorities.
At the conclusion of the ECOSOC sidelines meeting, both parties agreed to continue ongoing discussions with the goal of finalizing a formal cooperation protocol and appointing dedicated focal points to oversee the implementation of the commitments and partnership initiatives agreed during the talks.