President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated that being able to address the presidency of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in Maldives' mother tongue, Dhivehi, is a testament to Maldives’ successes as a small, sovereign, island state.
Recalling how the UN had debated the merits of allowing admission to a small state such as the Maldives 56-years ago, the President said that the fact that he is able to address the President of the GA in Dhivehi validated how far Maldives had come in the international arena.
In his statement, President Solih thanked the global leaders for their support and trust in allowing a Maldivian to assume the prestigious office. He stated that, despite being comparatively small, the Maldives has shown its prowess in the global community and said that this has been an honour that all Maldivians can partake in. The President noted that the Maldives may be small in size, however, Maldivians are big in rich culture and heritage, expressed that this is a great honour for the nation.
This is the second time President Solih is addressing the UNGA. The President had delivered his first general debate statement at the 74th Session of the UNGA, in 2019. The President delivered his remarks on the third speaking slot this year; early slots are rarely accorded to smaller states.
