The government of Maldives has decided to put forward its candidatures for membership as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the term 2033-2034 and for membership of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UNECOSOC) for the term 2027-2029. If successful it would be the first time the Maldives becomes a member of both principal organs of the United Nations (UN).
Announcing the decision of the government, Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid said the Maldives presents a firm commitment to multilateralism, resolved to serve the international community and to meaningfully contribute to solving the global issues that shape the world.
The decision to contest in both elections stems from the commitment of the government towards strong international engagement in the multilateral arena, as a responsible member of the international community. Since 2018, the Maldives has successfully competed for elections to the Presidency of the 76th Session of the UN General Assembly, and the United Nations Human Rights Council for the term 2023-2025. Despite small island developing States (SIDS) being under-represented across the UN, the Maldives has consistently demonstrated that even the smallest of countries can make meaningful contributions at the highest levels of decision-making. The government said it is confident in the country’s ability to significantly contribute to the global discourse on international peace and security and sustainable development.
The UNSC is the principal organ for the maintenance of international peace and security. It is also the highest decision-making body in the international system. The UNECOSOC is the principal organ for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as well as the coordination, policy review, and formulation of recommendations on all economic, social, and environmental matters.