President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's address at the 79th United Nations General Assembly has been widely regarded as one of the most impactful speeches ever delivered by a Maldivian leader. The speech garnered significant international media attention for its clear vision for the Maldives, addressing global challenges and proposing solutions while highlighting major issues affecting the world.
Maldives became a UN member less than two months after gaining independence 59 years ago. Since then, the country has actively participated in UN meetings and engaged in discussions on global issues. However, President Muizzu's recent address at UNGA79 has received unprecedented attention and acclaim, setting it apart from previous speeches. His remarks made headlines across leading global media outlets.
A leader from a small island nation addressed issues that even some of the world's most powerful leaders have hesitated to confront. News outlets, including Al Jazeera and Russia's RT Media, have extensively covered the President's comments, which continue to circulate on social media.
A bold and candid speech
In his inaugural speech at the UN General Assembly, President Muizzu demonstrated that the Maldives could voice its concerns candidly, without fear of reprisal. He articulated the world's pressing challenges using a world map as a visual aid, highlighting critical issues affecting various nations.
Holding up the chart, the President noted that many countries are facing significant crises, with areas marked in red representing those grappling with severe challenges, while those in green—indicating stability—were almost non-existent. This stark visual representation underscored the urgent reality: humanity is in crisis, often due to man-made factors. He emphasized that no country is immune to these issues and criticized the global community for its insufficient response.
The chart illustrated over twenty pressing global problems, with countries marked in bright red to reflect the severity of the situations they face. President Muizzu's speech courageously addressed topics that many world leaders have shied away from discussing, notably the Palestinian issue and the urgent need for reform within the UN. He urged the international community to recognize these challenges and take decisive action.
Call for accountability: condemning Israeli violence
In a historic move, President Muizzu addressed the Palestinian issue with unprecedented candour. “Israel must be held accountable for its acts of terrorism and violations of international law and UN resolutions,” he declared, drawing attention to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
He condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza as a "massacre" and "genocide," asserting, “The ongoing massacre—the genocide—by Israel in Gaza is a travesty of justice and the international system.” Furthermore, he highlighted the systematic targeting of journalists, including those from Palestine, Lebanon, and Al Jazeera, as an attempt to conceal the atrocities occurring in Gaza.
Condemning the ongoing genocide in Gaza as a travesty of justice, the President in his speech highlighted the destruction of homes, hospitals, and lives. In a significant moment, he welcomed the decision to allow Palestinian representatives to sit with the assembly for the first time, asserting that now is the time to ensure Palestine becomes a full member of the UN.
A vision for a harmonious United Nations
President Muizzu also raised alarm over the threats posed by climate change, particularly to small nations, urging developed countries to enhance their support for immediate solutions. He reiterated that these concerns resonate globally, highlighting the necessity of immediate action.
The President emphasised the necessity for the UN to play a more proactive role in addressing major global issues. He called for robust solutions to the myriad challenges facing the world through a revitalised international system.
“The United Nations is the epitome of the multilateral system. It must promote sustainable development, maintain peace and security, and protect human rights. Yet, we see the opposite: an inability to stop climate change, wars, genocide, and exploitation. Therefore, the UN needs reform and revitalisation to be truly representative,” he stated.
Expressing concern over the UN's failure to fulfil its responsibilities, he articulated his desire for united allies rather than a divided and frustrated organisation. He insisted that UN decisions must be actionable both globally and domestically, underscoring the need for a system that delivers tangible results. “The UN is only relevant when it makes a real difference in people’s lives," stated the President.