Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohamed Asim has stated that the United Nations has been a steadfast development partner, supporting Maldives in attaining rapid progress in the social sector, increasing its capacity to deal with natural disasters, dramatically reducing infant mortality and maternal mortality rates, and increasing the life expectancy of Maldivians
The Foreign Minister made the remarks in a statement given on the occasion of the United Nations Day. In the statement, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohamed Asim reaffirmed the unwavering belief of Maldives in the principles set forth in the Charter of the United Nations.
Foreign Minister said that Maldives sees the United Nations as a beacon of hope that is the exemplar of human cooperation and understanding. The Foreign Minister noted that the United Nations provides food for millions in over 70 countries around the world, vaccinates more than 50% of the world's children, assists millions of refugees fleeing from war and famine, combats climate change, maintains peace across continents, promotes and protects human rights in various regions around the world.
Minister Asim added that the United Nations has been instrumental in conducting vaccination programmes around the country, and in eradicating diseases such as polio, and Malaria in the Maldives. Currently, the United Nations is promoting institutional building, social inclusion, capacity building in the areas of Gender, Governance, Youth and Children, Environment and Climate Change through the United Nations Developmental Assistance Framework (UNDAF).
The Minister further stated that after having served two consecutive terms in the United Nations Human Rights Council, the Maldives has now presented its candidature for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the term 2019- 2020. He said with the principled positions on peace and security of Maldives, resolving conflicts through peaceful means, disarmament and non-proliferation, and countering terrorism and violent extremism, while also focusing on sustainable solutions, and a just, fair and equal world.
The Maldives submitted their application for membership on August 26, 1965, just a month after gaining independence which is a clear testament to the priority the Maldives has given to the United Nations. The Maldives became an official member of the United Nations on September, 21 1965.