The President-elect of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the Maldivian Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has stated the new UNGA presidency aims to rebuild communities and restore hope for the world.
Speaking following his election as the new president of the UNGA, Foreign Minister Shahid said he was deeply humbled by the trust and confidence placed in him by by UN member states, and the honour bestowed on the Maldives. The foreign minister said unyielding hope is the Maldivian way, which he is keen to bring in with the UNGA presidency. Noting the world needs to get moving again by rebuilding communities and recovering economies, he said the new UNGA presidency aims to restore hope for the world.
Speaking further, Minister Shahid said the immediate priority in his reign as UNGA president will be COVID-19 recovery efforts. Shahid said he will be looking to address the health and economic needs, as well as ensure vaccine equity as no one is safe until everyone is safe. He added the rebuilding must be carried out sustainably, focusing on building back better, stronger, greener and bluer.
Furthermore, Minister Shahid said he believes the 76th session of the UNGA can be a “super session for nature” with multiple conferences and meetings on climate change, oceans, biodiversity, desertification, energy, transport and food systems. He also noted addressing the needs of the people is equally important, adding he will ensure more voice and space for youth in the General Assembly. He also pledged to raise his voice against gender discrimination and advocate for gender equality.
Minister Shahid further stated addressing the demands of the day will require a stronger United Nations. As such, he noted a transparent, efficient, effective and accountable United Nations, with coordination, coherence and cooperation within the United Nations system and between its organs will be essential for the achievement of its goals.
In his address, Minister Shahid pledged to be transparent, inclusive and representative to all member states, and to engage with civil society and other relevant stakeholders. He also pledged to bring the United Nations closer to the people, on whose behalf the UN works and whose interests the UN promotes.