Small States

Role of the Maldives as a Small State

• The Maldives has been a diligent advocate for Small States for over 30 years. During these years, Maldives has always called for better representation by Small States in leadership positions of international organizations.
• Following the foiled coup d’état and armed terrorist attack on Maldives on 3 November 1988, Maldives led calls for greater protection of Small States from external threats. In 1989, the Maldives successfully led efforts to pass the resolution A/RES/44/51 titled “Protection and security of Small States” unanimously adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. The resolution was also passed in two subsequent sessions in 1991 and 1994: A/RES/46/43 and A/RES/49/31
• The resolution appeals to the relevant regional and international organizations to provide assistance when requested by Small States for the strengthening of their security; urges the Secretary-General to pay special attention to monitoring the security situation of Small States and to consider making use of the provisions of Article 99 of the Charter; invites the Secretary-General to explore ways and means of preserving the security of Small States.

Forum of Small States (FOSS)

• The Maldives is a member of the Forum of Small States (FOSS).
• In 1992, Singapore established an informal and non-ideological grouping of Small States in New York known as the Forum of Small States (FOSS). Since then, Singapore has served as Chair of FOSS.
• It now comprises 108 countries across all geographical regions and at all levels of development and meets several times a year to discuss issues of concern to small states. Apart from New York, FOSS Chapters have also been established in Geneva, Vienna, and London.