Message from His Excellency Abdulla Shahid, Minister of Foreign Affairs, on the occasion of the UN Day
“Today, we mark the seventy-seventh anniversary of the entry into force of the United Nations Charter; the Charter that has guided this most universal body of nations for over 7 decades. The United Nations continues to stand as a steadfast symbol of hope for a better world and to deliver a prosperous future we want; a symbol of hope for global unity for peace, development, human rights, and equal opportunity and prosperity for all. The Maldives, reiterates its steadfast commitment to the principles of the UN Charter and its values of peace, justice, respect, human rights, tolerance, and solidarity. We celebrate this day with our unwavering commitment to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, multilateralism, diplomacy, and our commitment to further strengthening its partnership with the United Nations. We celebrate the important work the United Nations has carried out across the world in the past seven decades. The 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals is a testament to the UN’s efforts to make a difference in the lives of everyone around the world. It is also the most successful anti-poverty campaign ever and will require unprecedented international cooperation and innovative approaches to achieve all the 17 SDGs for a more equal, just, and sustainable world for all. Today, the United Nations is facing challenges like never before. This is the time to recommit to the United Nations, its Charter and its values. This is the time to adopt a holistic approach to address global problems including the recognition of identifying the different needs of different countries and the need for different responses. This is the time for collective global action to tackle climate change, promote gender equality, and address the myriad of global problems that face us all. This is the time to amplify our shared interests in preventing conflict and maintaining peace and stability – solidarity and resilience across the world. Today, the Maldives renews its commitment to the United Nations, and our hope and conviction that it remains the most legitimate global platform to serve humanity, and to protect the sanctity of human life”.