Permanent Representative of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Nations Walton Webson and UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, Rabab Fatima have praised President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s efforts to promote the economic development of island nations.
Both representatives praised the President while addressing the opening ceremony of the SIDS Global Business Network Forum focusing on small island economies.
Speaking at the event, President Muizzu said his government is already giving special priority to developing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and outlined his vision for improving their access to finance.
In his address, UN Representative Walton Webson praised President Muizzu’s international advocacy for small island states and said the President’s remarks at the forum reflected priorities that SIDS have long called for. He described Maldives as an example for other small economies.
During the 2024 SIDS Forum, the President had strongly advocated for small island nations by highlighting the need for economic empowerment of SMEs, young entrepreneurs and women entrepreneurs. He had emphasised the need to increase financial assistance for SMEs and young entrepreneurs.
Addressing the forum via video message, UN representative Rabab Fatima said the forum held in Barbuda in 2024 was a success, and that the ongoing forum in the Maldives builds on the progress made at the previous forum. She said President Muizzu is not merely talking about supporting SMEs and young entrepreneurs but is taking practical steps and producing results.