Speaking at the 31st Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly in response to the Covid-19 pandemic via a video statement, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Shahid highlighted the extensive measures undertaken by the Government of Maldives in responding to the health emergency and the subsequent economic crisis.
Minister Shahid drew attention to the plight of Small Island Developing States such as the Maldives, with their heavy dependence on a single industry to support their economies and heavy reliance on imports.
“During these unprecedented times, we must draw strength from each other and be resolute in overcoming this crisis together. We are extremely grateful to our partners and friends in the international community who have helped us so far. Indeed, the need for multilateralism has never been greater. I take this opportunity to reiterate the Maldives’ call for greater cooperation in the spirit of multilateralism.” Said Minister Shahid
In his statement, Minister Shahid welcomed the G20’s announcement of the Common Framework for Debt Treatment beyond the Debt Service Suspension Initiative, noting that such initiatives will greatly aid the Maldives as we embark on a path of resilience and recovery.
Minister Shahid also highlighted the critical role played by the UN in addressing the challenges humanity has faced for the past 75 years - from delivering humanitarian aid to responding to global pandemics, from poverty alleviation to conflict mediation and promoting sustainable development and called upon the international community for greater cooperation in the spirit of multilateralism in building back bluer, greener and cleaner.
Minister Shahid, also expressed gratitude to the partners and friends of Maldives in the international community who have helped the Maldives during these difficult times.
The United Nations Special Session on the COVID-19 Pandemic is being held for two days, from 3 - 4 December 2020 at the United Nations Headquarters. The Session provides the opportunity for the international community to evaluate and enhance its collective response to the pandemic.
The session focused on the experiences of the Member states in addressing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the greatest health crisis the world has faced in recent history; and reflect on the global response to the pandemic as well as ways to move forward in a united, coordinated, and people-centered path.
Minister Shahid drew attention to the plight of Small Island Developing States such as the Maldives, with their heavy dependence on a single industry to support their economies and heavy reliance on imports.
“During these unprecedented times, we must draw strength from each other and be resolute in overcoming this crisis together. We are extremely grateful to our partners and friends in the international community who have helped us so far. Indeed, the need for multilateralism has never been greater. I take this opportunity to reiterate the Maldives’ call for greater cooperation in the spirit of multilateralism.” Said Minister Shahid
In his statement, Minister Shahid welcomed the G20’s announcement of the Common Framework for Debt Treatment beyond the Debt Service Suspension Initiative, noting that such initiatives will greatly aid the Maldives as we embark on a path of resilience and recovery.
Minister Shahid also highlighted the critical role played by the UN in addressing the challenges humanity has faced for the past 75 years - from delivering humanitarian aid to responding to global pandemics, from poverty alleviation to conflict mediation and promoting sustainable development and called upon the international community for greater cooperation in the spirit of multilateralism in building back bluer, greener and cleaner.
Minister Shahid, also expressed gratitude to the partners and friends of Maldives in the international community who have helped the Maldives during these difficult times.
The United Nations Special Session on the COVID-19 Pandemic is being held for two days, from 3 - 4 December 2020 at the United Nations Headquarters. The Session provides the opportunity for the international community to evaluate and enhance its collective response to the pandemic.
The session focused on the experiences of the Member states in addressing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the greatest health crisis the world has faced in recent history; and reflect on the global response to the pandemic as well as ways to move forward in a united, coordinated, and people-centered path.
