The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives Dr. Mohamed Asim states that Maldives was fundamental in bringing to the attention of the international community, the devastating consequences of climate change. The Foreign Minister made the remarks at a statement issued on the occasion of the fifty-second anniversary of Maldives membership at the United Nations.
In his message, the Foreign Minister stated that Maldives has raised the issue of the security of small states, and gave a voice to the unique vulnerabilities faced by small island states, including through the formation of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) in 1990 which is a group Maldives has chaired since 2015. The foreign Minister highlighted the achievements of the Maldives at the United Nations.
Foreign Minister Dr. Asim mentioned that Maldives has been a leading voice on human rights and fundamental freedoms and drawing attention on issues, such as the effects of climate change on the full enjoyment of human rights. Minister Asim noted that at the Council, the Maldives has also focused on enabling the participation of the small island developing states, which led to the creation of the SIDS trust fund. The Minister noted that Maldives has served a term on the executive board of UN-Women, promoting gender equality and has also served two consecutive terms on the United Nations Human Rights Council.
On conclusion, Minister Asim stated that Maldives firmly believes in the power of multilateralism, placing its faith in the United Nations, and its processes. He said the Maldives has taken principled positions on peace and security, resolving conflicts through peaceful means, disarmament and non-proliferation, and countering terrorism and violent extremism.
The Minister stressed that regardless of size and might, every country must have the opportunity to serve and said that is why for the first time in fifty-two years of membership, the Maldives has presented its candidature to the United Nations Security Council for the term 2019- 2020. He expressed confidence that Maldives will bring diversity and determination to the Security Council.
The Minister further stated that it is a step in the journey as a member of the United Nations, which will bring new challenges, but also new opportunities for the Maldives to provide shared solutions for a shared destiny.
The Maldives applied to become a member of the United Nations, just a month after its independence on 26 July 1965. It was the first 'micro-state' to join the United Nations, which at the time sparked a debate about the ability of very small States to take on the responsibilities set out in the United Nations charter. Today, the Maldives can proudly say that in the last five decades, has made an enormous impact on the world.