President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has returned to the Maldives after concluding his landmark visit to the United States for the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The President departed for New York on September 20 to participate in this important global event.
During his visit, President Muizzu delivered a powerful statement at the General Debate of UNGA 79, where he outlined his vision for transforming the Maldives into a fully developed nation by 2040. He also called on world leaders to hold Israel accountable for its actions in Palestine, advocating for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, an end to Israeli aggression, and full recognition of Palestine as a UN member state.
Additionally, President Muizzu addressed the UN Security Council (UNSC), becoming the first Maldivian Head of State to do so since the nation joined the UN 59 years ago. In his address, he urged the abolition of veto power, characterizing it as an outdated and unjust mechanism that obstructs global peace and security. His call resonated with smaller nations that believe eliminating the veto would enhance the UN's responsiveness to vulnerable populations and better equip it to tackle global challenges.
Throughout his trip, the President delivered several speeches on critical topics such as sea level rise, renewable energy, and climate change. He played a leading role in co-chairing significant side events during UNGA 79 and held bilateral discussions with various delegations. He also took time to engage with the Maldivian community in New York.
Before concluding his trip, President Muizzu spoke at Princeton University's School of Public and International Affairs, emphasizing the Maldives' growing significance in global trade, energy security, and environmental conservation. He highlighted the nation’s transformation from an impoverished and little-known island country to a key player in the Indian Ocean, noting that over 50% of the world’s daily oil consumption and 75% of trade between Asia and Europe passes through the Indian Ocean, much of it near Maldivian waters.
In addition, the President visited Google’s main office in New York to discuss potential collaborations, focusing on the integration of AI in public service delivery, the promotion of digital literacy, and data-driven solutions for climate resilience.
This visit marked President Muizzu's first participation in the UN General Assembly as Head of State and coincided with the 59th anniversary of the Maldives' UN membership. He was accompanied by a high-level government delegation during this significant trip.