President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has arrived back Maldives following the conclusion of the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Not only was the visit President Solih's first to the UNGA, but it was also the first by any Maldivian Head of State in over seven years. His presence at the UNGA was a powerful reaffirmation of the end of the Maldives' brief period of self-imposed isolationism, a symbolic gesture that the revival of the democracy in Maldives announces a clear commitment to an open and engaged foreign policy abroad.
The president also made announcements on the world stage that further asserted the nation's commitment to several pressing global issues and brought the Maldives to the forefront of international discussion, such as the ambitious plan to phase out single-use plastics by the year 2023 and the exceptionally well-received Climate Smart Resilient Island initiative.
In his maiden address at the UNGA, President Solih clearly articulated the foreign policy of Maldives priorities and expectations of the international community. The president reiterated the commitment of Maldives to multilateral engagement and broadening the scope of international friendships; the resolve to win the fight against terrorism; and the keenness to work with neighbours in the Indian Ocean towards greater regional integration. He noted the democratic revival of Maldives with pride and called on his peers to fulfil their responsibilities to effectively meet the pressing issues: from ensuring peace in the Levant, in line with the longstanding commitment of Maldives to the Palestinian cause, to taking urgent action on behalf of the climate.
Reassuming the role of Maldives as a global environmental champion, the president outlined several initiatives by his administration to lead by example. In light of the environmental and human security risks posed by increasing plastic waste, he announced at the general debate statement Maldives aims to nationally eliminate single-use plastic by the year 2023. Further, he announced in New York City the commencement of a formal partnership between the Government of Maldives and Parley for the Oceans, an organisation singularly dedicated to the battle against plastics.
At the Climate Action Summit, President Solih presented to the World, Climate Smart Resilient Island initiative that was shaped in concert with fellow Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) members and other Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Further, at the High-level Review of the SIDS Accelerated Modalities of Action (SAMOA) Pathway Multi-Stakeholder Conference, the president reiterated the commitment of Maldives to meeting the Sustainable Development Goals and working alongside other island nations for environmental resilience.
Whilst in New York, the president also met with world leaders and senior dignitaries on the side-lines for several highly successful meetings.