Maldives' Persistent Advocacy on Palestine Is Reshaping Global Rhetoric, Says Ambassador Shiaan

Despite its small size, the Maldives' unwavering advocacy for Palestine is shaping international discourse, argues Ambassador Ahmed Shiaan, Secretary Bilateral at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who maintains that sustained engagement, even from a smaller nation, can influence global rhetoric on the Palestinian issue.

In an interview on PSM News' 'Raajje Miadhu' programme, Ambassador Shiaan addressed scepticism over the impact of small-state diplomacy. While critics question whether such advocacy carries weight, he contends that continuous diplomatic pressure ensures that critical discussions remain active, preventing them from fading from the global agenda.

For eighteen months, the Maldives has consistently ranked among the most vocal nations on the Palestinian issue, especially the genocide in Gaza, issuing a substantial number of statements across international forums. Ambassador Shiaan highlighted the significance of these declarations, noting that sovereign pronouncements, irrespective of a nation's size, can command attention on the world stage.

Despite its limited geopolitical influence, the Maldives sees its diplomatic efforts as contributing to subtle yet meaningful shifts in international discourse. Official statements, he argues, can shape policy discussions, prompting reassessments among leading world powers.

This approach has extended to high-profile engagements, with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu addressing a United Nations conference focused on environmental challenges faced by small island developing nations, where he chose to lead his remarks by stressing the Palestine issue. His remarks underscored the Maldives' broader commitment to raising awareness of what it describes as an ongoing genocide, reinforcing the country's determination to ensure the issue remains visible in diplomatic arenas.

The government has backed its rhetoric with policy action, actively participating in three legal proceedings against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) while also imposing an official ban on entry for individuals holding Israeli passports, an unprecedented move underscoring its firm stance.

Ambassador Shiaan also pointed to rising domestic mobilisation, noting that across the Maldives, media outlets, social networks, and grassroots movements have amplified discourse on Palestine. Communities across various islands have engaged in widespread advocacy efforts, ensuring that the issue remains at the forefront of national dialogue.

These efforts are not going unnoticed, according to Ambassador Shiaan, who asserts that the Maldives' diplomatic persistence is beginning to influence the rhetoric of global leaders. He highlighted instances in which Western policymakers have started to directly call for measures against Israel, suggesting that sustained advocacy, regardless of a country's size, can contribute to substantive shifts in international policy.