On the occasion of United Nations Day, Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, Minister of Foreign Affairs, has delivered a powerful message highlighting the enduring significance of the United Nations (UN) in promoting global peace and cooperation. Reflecting on the UN's founding 79 years ago, he emphasized that the Charter serves as a guiding framework for a world characterized by peace, security, human rights, rule of law, and sustainable development.
Since joining the UN in 1965, the Maldives has been a staunch supporter of the multilateral system, using the platform to amplify the voices of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Minister Khaleel underscored the Maldives’ role as a leading advocate for climate action, human rights, and sustainable development within the UN framework.
However, he also pointed out that the UN faces significant challenges, including outdated global systems, persistent conflicts, climate change, financing gaps, and economic inequality, which threaten its relevance.
"The world needs a United Nations that is ready to step up and put meaning to its words and actions," Khaleel stated, calling for an organization that can effectively address issues such as exploitation, suffering, and environmental degradation. He urged the UN to take a strong stance against violence and uphold its responsibilities, particularly in light of the humanitarian crisis in Palestine.
Minister Khaleel reiterated the importance of reforming the UN to ensure it remains representative, responsive, and capable of uplifting all people. He expressed confidence that guided by shared values and frameworks such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS), and the Pact for the Future, the United Nations will continue to serve its member states and fulfill its mission for "we the peoples."
Since joining the UN in 1965, the Maldives has been a staunch supporter of the multilateral system, using the platform to amplify the voices of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Minister Khaleel underscored the Maldives’ role as a leading advocate for climate action, human rights, and sustainable development within the UN framework.
However, he also pointed out that the UN faces significant challenges, including outdated global systems, persistent conflicts, climate change, financing gaps, and economic inequality, which threaten its relevance.
"The world needs a United Nations that is ready to step up and put meaning to its words and actions," Khaleel stated, calling for an organization that can effectively address issues such as exploitation, suffering, and environmental degradation. He urged the UN to take a strong stance against violence and uphold its responsibilities, particularly in light of the humanitarian crisis in Palestine.
Minister Khaleel reiterated the importance of reforming the UN to ensure it remains representative, responsive, and capable of uplifting all people. He expressed confidence that guided by shared values and frameworks such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS), and the Pact for the Future, the United Nations will continue to serve its member states and fulfill its mission for "we the peoples."
