Speaking at the General Debate of the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly on Friday, 23 September 2022, Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid stated that the Maldives proposes five main areas of focus to make the world more resilient and just. This includes addressing the climate crisis, sustainable and reliable sources of financing, putting gender equality at the forefront, coming together to solve security challenges, and reforming the multilateral system so it can better meet future challenges.
Minister Shahid also shed light on the adoption of the landmark resolution which recognized the “Human Right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment” this year. He noted that this was the result of decades of advocacy at the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly. Minister Shahid stated that the Maldives will be competing for a seat on the Human Rights Council for the term 2023-2025, where if elected, the Maldives will continue to address climate change as an integral part of the global human rights discourse. Minister Shahid also expressed hope for the support of all members states in this election.
Concluding his statement, Minister Shahid stated that these extraordinary times must be met with extraordinary courage, vision, ambition, and leadership. He noted that challenges can be met together with the resources, power, and imagination of all member states. Minister Shahid further stated that the Maldives will continue to work alongside all nations to usher in a brighter future for humanity.
The Maldives’ delegation to the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly is led by the Foreign Minister of the Maldives, His Excellency Abdulla Shahid. Foreign Minister Shahid was accompanied by several high-level Government officials.
