The Maldives has reiterated about the commitment of the country to achieving gender parity in all sectors. The statement was made by Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid during a panel discussion to commemorate the International Day of Women in Diplomacy in New York, United States (US).
Speaking at the panel, Minister Shahid highlighted why the Maldives decided to put forth a resolution to create a day for women in diplomacy. He reflected on his experiences in achieving gender parity within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives and called on other leaders to also achieve gender parity within their place of work. He also spoke about the commitment of the Maldives to achieving gender parity in all sectors.
The panel discussion was moderated by a diplomat of Rwanda and Youth Fellow in the Office of the President of the General Assembly Nathalie Gasaro. Minister Shahid was joined by the Permanent Representative of US Linda Thomas-Greenfield and the Executive Director of UN Women Sima Bahous.
The International Day of Women in Diplomacy resolution was put forth by the delegation of the Maldives and adopted during the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The resolution was co-sponsored by 191 delegations along with 85 member states as main sponsors.
During the commemorative event, a statement was given by Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the UN Thilmeeza Hussein and President of the 77th Session of the UNGA Csaba Kőrösi. An interactive discussion on current challenges and policy interventions to achieve the full participation of women diplomats in decision-making spaces was held with participation from the Permanent Representative of Cambodia to the UN Sophea Eat, Permanent Representative of Liberia to the UN Sarah Safyn Fyneah and President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Present and Future Institute Keisha McGuire.
Closing statements were also provided by the Permanent Representative of Saint Lucia to the UN Menissa Rambally and the President-elect of the 78th Session of the UNGA Ambassador Dennis Francis.