Maldives’ election win to serve as Vice President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for its 80th Session shows the standing and repute the country has earned in the international community, Ambassador Ahmed Shiaan, Secretary Bilateral at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said.
In an interview on PSM News' 'Raajje Miadhu' programme, Ambassador Shiaan said securing the vice-presidency of the UNGA shows the high regard of the Maldives by other member countries.
He also noted that Vice-Presidents assume the responsibility of presiding over the General Assembly in the absence of the Speaker and presiding over other high-level meetings, adding that Maldives’ election from the Asia-Pacific region would prove its ability to lead in the international arena.
Besides the UNGA, Ambassador Shiaan highlighted that Maldives has been elected to various other international bodies which further proves that the international community recognises its efforts in various fields and trusts the Maldives to lead through its experience.
The Maldives will preside over plenary meetings of the General Assembly and strengthen its leadership credentials within the UN. The Ministry said it demonstrates that small island developing countries like the Maldives can play a leading role at UNGA.
"Maldives has also been elected as a member of the Status of Women in the Economic and Social Council which also shows the priority President Dr Mohamed Muizzu places on gender equality. And shows that the world really trusts us to lead,” he explained.
Additionally, Maldives has also been elected a member of UNESCO's Institute for Disaster Management in Asia Pacific, which according to Ambassador Shiaan shows that Sri Lanka is on par with other countries in the international arena. These election wins also show that Maldives can perform in the international arena in the light of its resources, information and experience, he said.
At the election held on 2 June in New York, the Maldives, along with Bangladesh, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and Timor-Leste were elected for the five seats available to the Asia-Pacific Group for the session. This election is especially significant for the Maldives, as it coincides with the anniversary of 60 years of Maldives membership to the United Nations, which will be celebrated on 21 September 2025.
Following the Maldives’ successful election, President Dr Muizzu expressed his gratitude and optimism in a post on his official X account, stating that the Maldives looks forward to working closely with international partners to ensure the success of the forthcoming General Assembly.
The President reaffirmed the Maldives’ strong commitment to strengthening the multilateral system, particularly as the country celebrates 60 years of membership in the United Nations.