Foreign Minister Shahid calls on the international community to strengthen its commitment to the principles of the UN and to revive the true spirit of multilateralism, at the General Debate of the 75th UN General Assembly

Foreign Minister Shahid calls on the international ... Image 1

 

29 September 2020

His Excellency Abdulla Shahid, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today delivered the Maldives’ statement, via pre-recorded video, at the General Debate of the 75th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.Recalling the first ever words spoken on behalf of the Maldives at the UN fifty-five years ago, Minister Shahid reiterated the commitment of the Maldives to the principles enshrined in the Charter of the UN.

He also underscored the importance of global solidarity to revive the spirit of multilateralism amidst one of the biggest global challenges in history – the COVID-19 pandemic. He derived this link based on this year’s theme for the General Debate “The future we want, the United Nations we need: reaffirming our collective commitment to multilateralism – confronting COVID-19 through effective multilateral action.”Speaking on behalf of the Maldives, Minister Shahid observed the importance of the administration of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih holds towards the promotion and protection of human rights.

He expressed the willingness of the Maldives to share its unique experiences as a Small Island Developing State, in particular, the efforts undertaken to align domestic legislative instruments with international obligations. He then reaffirmed Maldives’ long-standing position on the question of Palestine and the plight of the Rohingya in the Rakhine State of Myanmar and additionally voiced his concerns surrounding the traditional issue of terrorism.Minister Shahid also seized the opportunity to address the threatening issues of climate change and marine plastic pollution while elaborating on the urgent need to realise the ambitions outlined in the Paris Agreement.

He further noted the Maldives’ commitment to the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, and drew crucial lessons from the pandemic, including the identification of asymmetries in the international system. Minister Shahid also extended his appreciation towards the G20 debt service suspension initiative, and requested for an extension of the suspension until the end of 2021.On a final note, Minister Shahid recognised the vital role played by the UN as it celebrates 75 years of existence, despite the need to reform its operations to better suit the current dynamics. “The UN still presents the best hope for humanity” said Minister Shahid as he reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Maldives to the United, regardless of its size.ENDS