The UAE has participated in the “Pathways to Peace: Second International Conference on Returning Ukrainian Children, Detained Civilians, and Prisoners of War” in Toronto, Canada, reinforcing its involvement in humanitarian and diplomatic efforts related to the Ukraine conflict.
Held on September 28–29, 2026, the conference brought together foreign ministers and senior representatives from countries and international organisations to discuss practical measures for the release, safe return and reintegration of prisoners of war, detained civilians and children.
The UAE was represented by Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs to Ukraine. She participated in a session focused on humanitarian access and the safe return and reintegration of Ukrainian prisoners of war.
The UAE highlighted its experience in mediation between Russia and Ukraine. According to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the country has facilitated 26 rounds of prisoner exchanges, helping enable the return of 7,997 captives between the two sides. The UAE has also hosted two rounds of trilateral peace talks involving the United States, Ukraine and Russia in Abu Dhabi earlier in 2026.
During the conference, Al Hashimy held meetings with officials and parliamentarians from Ukraine, Canada, Lithuania, Latvia and Norway, discussing humanitarian and development cooperation as well as continued diplomatic engagement.
The UAE also reaffirmed its readiness to facilitate further exchanges in coordination with the parties and other mediators, while supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The participation adds to Abu Dhabi’s broader role in humanitarian mediation and international diplomacy, particularly through efforts focused on prisoner exchanges, civilian welfare and dialogue.
