Foreign Minister calls on the world to use solidarity, science and shared solutions to build back better

Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has called on the world to use solidarity, science and shared solutions to build back better following the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Minister Shahid made the remarks while participating in the 2021 ECOSOC Special Ministerial Meeting on “A Vaccine for All”. The meeting was organised by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), aimed to address the current efforts in mobilizing a coordinated and coherent global response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the adverse socio-economic impacts on people across the world.

In his statement, Minister Shahid briefed participants on the strategically coordinated steps undertaken by the Government of the Maldives in combating the COVID-19 pandemic and providing socioeconomic support for those in need. He also appreciated the generous assistance and aid extended to the Maldives by bilateral and multilateral partners in terms of grants and concessional loans, which helped to establish a balance between public health and economic resilience.

Minister Shahid also noted that 60% of the Maldivian population have completed the first-dose of COVID-19 vaccination, including foreigners residing in Maldives, irrespective of their nationality. Furthermore, the minister called to take concrete steps in order to facilitate fair and equitable access to vaccines, while considering the unique situations of different countries. He also reiterated the need for solidarity, science and shared solutions to build back better from the impacts of COVID-19.

This Ministerial Meeting allowed leaders from the world to converse on this global topic virtually and push for a global commitment towards equitable and timely distribution of COVID-19 vaccines through accelerated international cooperation and assistance.