UAE’s eventful first year at the UN Security Council, and Dubai refines a success formula, our editors comment on the top stories of Jan 6

UAE’S EVENTFUL FIRST YEAR AT THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL: During the UAE's first year on the UN Security Council, the country consistently articulated its vision that an open, cooperative, and inclusive world order is more indispensable today than ever before. According to the UAE’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Lana Nusseibeh, the UAE had an eventful first year at the UN Security Council. She said that the UAE would continue to push for climate action, counter terrorism efforts and women’s empowerment during the second year at the UN. The UAE diplomacy, indeed, has shown its commitment to strengthening the role of the UN, advancing multilateralism, supporting the UN's humanitarian efforts, and contributing to co-existence, peace and global security. (By Ashfaq Ahmed, Senior Assistant Editor)

WITH D33, DUBAI REFINES A SUCCESS FORMULA: The D33 – a roadmap of Dubai’s ambitions for the next 10 years – places an emphasis on the elements that will serve a ‘New Economy’ – tech, innovation, startups and the ‘Sandbox’. However, as Dubai has clearly shown with its past future-looking initiatives, there is also a legacy element grounded into those plans – Trade. Or, more precisely, build up on the success Dubai has achieved through the decades as the hub for global trade to flow in and out. With the D33, Dubai seeks to extend that role to more regions, more cities, and giving itself a chance to keep refining legacy ways to fit into new needs. The ‘3T’ strategy – trade, terminals and (air) transport - should work fine over the next 10 years. And more…(By Manoj Nair, Business Editor)

BODY POSITIVITY IS THE NAME OF THE GAME: Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone’s song from ‘Pathaan’ titled ‘Besharam’ -- which means being shameless – has been creating a lot of hype for its suggestive choreography and wardrobe choices. But today, the song has been hailed for encouraging body positivity when a plus-size influencer replicated the dance steps with aplomb. Make no mistake that Tanvi Geetha Ravishankar doesn’t subscribe to the heteronormative standards of beauty and body size, but she rocks it like a thorough professional. We have put up the viral video on Gulf News to give you all an idea about how Tanvi is the paragon of being unapologetic and comfortable in her skin. It’s so good that even Deepika has given her nod Tanvi and her latest video. Here’s hoping that Bollywood also takes a leaf from Tanvi’s way of life and conduct. Instead of only featuring waif-like, Western dancers as the back-up dance troupe, why not take a chance with dancers belonging to all sizes and colours? Like Tanvi – who is all about body positivity and being unapologetic in her skin - , we will keep hoping. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)