On the occasion of the Maldives’ 59th anniversary as a member of the United Nations, Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer issued a statement reaffirming the country's commitment to multilateralism and its role as a voice for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) within the global body.
In his address, Minister Zameer emphasized the significance of the Maldives' admission to the UN in 1965, shortly after gaining independence, and its subsequent contributions to international diplomacy. "Our admission to membership of the UN is a success story," he said, noting the Maldives' journey from a small, newly independent state to an influential advocate for global issues like climate change and sustainable development. "The Maldives has paved the way for other small states."
Zameer highlighted the nation's commitment to the core pillars of the UN Charter—peace and security, human rights, the rule of law, and development—values that also shape the Maldives' foreign policy. Over the past 59 years, the country has championed climate action, human rights, and sustainable development at the UN, playing a vital role on prestigious platforms within the global body.
However, the foreign minister also addressed the challenges that remain. He pointed to outdated global systems, economic inequality, and the digital divide, which disproportionately affect vulnerable nations like the Maldives. "Impacts of climate change continue to threaten the most vulnerable among us," Zameer stated, adding that new and protracted conflicts have further tested the effectiveness of the multilateral system.
Zameer called for reforms within the UN to ensure it is better equipped to meet modern challenges, urging for a body that is "representative, acts in real time, and delivers for the people." He concluded by reiterating the Maldives' commitment to working towards a peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable future for the global community.
As the Maldives celebrates nearly six decades of UN membership, the country remains a leading advocate for small states and a vocal proponent of international cooperation on global issues.
In his address, Minister Zameer emphasized the significance of the Maldives' admission to the UN in 1965, shortly after gaining independence, and its subsequent contributions to international diplomacy. "Our admission to membership of the UN is a success story," he said, noting the Maldives' journey from a small, newly independent state to an influential advocate for global issues like climate change and sustainable development. "The Maldives has paved the way for other small states."
Zameer highlighted the nation's commitment to the core pillars of the UN Charter—peace and security, human rights, the rule of law, and development—values that also shape the Maldives' foreign policy. Over the past 59 years, the country has championed climate action, human rights, and sustainable development at the UN, playing a vital role on prestigious platforms within the global body.
However, the foreign minister also addressed the challenges that remain. He pointed to outdated global systems, economic inequality, and the digital divide, which disproportionately affect vulnerable nations like the Maldives. "Impacts of climate change continue to threaten the most vulnerable among us," Zameer stated, adding that new and protracted conflicts have further tested the effectiveness of the multilateral system.
Zameer called for reforms within the UN to ensure it is better equipped to meet modern challenges, urging for a body that is "representative, acts in real time, and delivers for the people." He concluded by reiterating the Maldives' commitment to working towards a peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable future for the global community.
As the Maldives celebrates nearly six decades of UN membership, the country remains a leading advocate for small states and a vocal proponent of international cooperation on global issues.
