The Arab League Celebrates Eight Decades of Unity in the Heart of Vienna: Renewing Arab Diplomacy, History, and Identity

Dr. Salah Boucha Ambassador Mission of the League of Arab States to Austria and to the International Organizations in Vienna. (Photo: WAJ/Doaa Seada)

Organized by the Arab League Mission in collaboration with the United Nations Office in Vienna, the celebration reaffirmed that the Arab League is not merely a regional political institution but a living memory and a future-oriented project embodying the aspirations of peoples stretching from the Gulf to the Atlantic.

Ambassador Dr. Salah Bouche: Eight Decades of Joint Arab Action and Solidarity

The event opened with a speech by H.E. Ambassador Dr. Salah Bouche, the Arab League’s representative to the UN and international organizations in Vienna. He emphasized that since its establishment in 1945, the Arab League has served as a cornerstone for Arab joint action and regional diplomatic cooperation. He highlighted the League’s pivotal role in supporting Arab causes, particularly the Palestinian cause, mediating in regional conflicts, and strengthening cultural and economic ties among member states.

Ambassador Bouche also expressed his profound gratitude to the Austrian government for its excellent cooperation with the League’s Vienna office since its establishment in 1982. Special thanks were extended to Ms. Ghada Waly, Executive Director of the UN Office in Vienna, for her continued support and facilitation of the event.

Permanent Representatives of Arab and Foreign Countries to the United Nations. (Photo: WAJ/Doaa Seada)

Ghada Waly: The Arab League as a Key Voice in the International System

Ms. Ghada Waly delivered a brief address in which she praised the Arab League’s journey and its role in promoting regional and international dialogue. She commended the League as a vital contributor to multilateralism and a symbol of regional understanding and cooperation.

Recorded Message by Ahmed Aboul Gheit: Arabism as a Renewed Vision for the Future

A recorded message from H.E. Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the Arab League, was broadcast during the event. In his message, he stated: “The Arab League has never been a political luxury, but rather a historical and strategic necessity. For eight decades, it has remained the Arab shield in confronting challenges, most notably the Palestinian cause, now facing its most dangerous crossroads.”

Aboul Gheit added: “What has been achieved is less than what we aspired to. Nevertheless, Arabism remains a living, renewing project that rises whenever Arab peoples demand unity, justice, and development.”

Egyptian Ambassador Mohamed Nasr, Palestinian Ambassador Salah Abdel Shafi, Chairman of the Arab Group, former Austrian Defense Minister, Sudanese Ambassador Magdi Mufaddal, and President of the Arab-Austrian Chamber of Commerce.(Photo: WAJ/Doaa Seada)

Ambassador Dr. Salah Abdul Shafi: Our Hands Are Extended for Dialogue, and the League Embodies a Shared Destiny

H.E. Ambassador Dr. Salah Abdul Shafi, Ambassador of the State of Palestine and Chair of the Arab Group, delivered a comprehensive speech emphasizing that the Arab League is: “The living embodiment of the unity of history and shared destiny among our peoples.”

He added: “Our cohesion is our shield against challenges. Together, we refuse to allow the international order to become a place where aggressors are rewarded and the weak are punished. The Arab League remains the voice of Arab and global conscience, and our hands are always extended for fair dialogue based on international law.”

A Taste of Every Homeland and an Exhibition That Narrates History

The ceremony concluded with the opening of a rare photo exhibition documenting the founding and evolution of the Arab League since 1945, highlighting its historical conferences and political and cultural milestones. Each Arab embassy presented its signature traditional dishes, transforming the event into a vibrant celebration of Arab flavors, politics, culture, and identity — from the Atlantic to the Gulf.

Pictures of popular dishes from Arab countries. (Photo: WAJ/Doaa Seada)

An Arab Message from the Heart of Vienna

The 80-year history of the Arab League is not just a diplomatic journey but a testament to a shared voice, identity, and hope for unity and renaissance. From Vienna, the message resonated loud and clear: the Arabs are here — present, united, and ready for a future worthy of their rich shared history.

The Arab League Celebrates Eight Decades of Unity in the Heart of Vienna. (Photo: WAJ/Doaa Seada)

Palestinian Ambassador Salah Abdel Shafi, Chairman of the Arab Group to the United Nations  (Photo: WAJ/Doaa Seada)

Scenes from the 80th Anniversary Celebration of the Arab League in the heart of Vienna. (Photo: WAJ/Doaa Seada)