UN Has Played a Vital Role in Maldives’ Development Over the Past 60 Years, Says Foreign Minister

The United Nations (UN) has played a vital role in the Maldives’ development over the past 60 years since the country joined the UN, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Abdulla Khaleel has said.

The Minister made the remarks at a ceremony held on Thursday to commemorate UN Day.

Speaking at the event, Minister Khaleel said the Maldives takes pride in its decision to become a member of the UN. The Minister said that despite being a small nation, the Maldives joined the organisation with confidence and optimism.

The Minister said the Maldives’ contributions at the UN demonstrate that every country, regardless of its size, can and should raise its voice and make it heard. He highlighted that UN has been an important partner in the Maldives’ development, noting that the country was the third to graduate from Least Developed Country status to Developing Country status.

The Minister said the Maldives has been successful in advocating for issues faced by Small Island Developing State (SIDS), and described the country’s current roles as Vice-President of the UN General Assembly and the Human Rights Council as a great honour. He reaffirmed that Maldives would always uphold the core principles of the UN and continue to strengthen cooperation with the UN.

"On this UN Day, we reaffirm that the Maldives will always remain committed to advocating for international peace, security, sustainable development, human rights and social progress,” he said.

Speaking at the ceremony, UN Resident Coordinator for the Maldives, Hao Zhang said the Maldives is notable among UN members for being an active member. He highlighted the UN’s long standing support for the Maldives in various areas over the past 60 years, and assured that it will continue to provide assistance in the years ahead.

The event celebrated both the UN’s 80th anniversary and the Maldives’ 60 years of membership since 1965. A photo exhibition showcasing six decades of UN-Maldives collaboration and key milestones was launched as part of the ceremony.

The event was attended by senior government officials, representatives from organisations and those who have contributed to the Maldives’ progress in various ways.