The Ministry of Foreign Affairs held an Interactive Dialogue on “Celebrating Women Diplomats” at the Maldives National University on Wednesday to mark this year’s International Day of Women in Diplomacy (IDWID).
The event was graced by a keynote address from Aneesa Ahmed, Order of Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin – the first female diplomat to represent the Maldives at the United Nations General Assembly and a staunch advocate for women rights.
In her remarks, Aneesa reflected on her personal experiences, pinpointing challenges, and capturing opportunities. Noting that the path forward is clear, and calling for change, she shared a message of hope for the current and future women diplomats.
Following the keynote address, a panel comprising He Fen, Minister Counsellor at the Embassy of China to the Maldives, Kiran Khathri, Counsellor, High Commission of India to the Maldives, and Pek Chuan, Deputy Resident Representative for the United Nations Development Programme for the Maldives engaged in an in-depth discussion, highlighting how institutions can better support mentorship and career growth for women, the professional and personal challenges facing women in the field, and the changes needed for guaranteed equal, full, and meaningful participation of women. This panel was moderated by Hassan Hussain Shihab, Senior Under Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The event also heard from Nausheen Naif Saleem, the youngest female diplomat in the Maldives Foreign Service, and concluded with remarks from Mariyam Midhfa Naeem, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In addition to the Ministry staff, the event counted the participation of the diplomatic community, representatives of Ministries, and students from Ahmadhiyya International School.
The International Day of Women in Diplomacy is celebrated every year on 24 June. The Maldives was the penholder of the resolution adopted at the UN General Assembly on 20 June 2022 with a historic record of 191 co-sponsoring Member States, proclaiming the day.