Foreign Minister Dr. Mohamed Asim has stated that Maldives has had a successful run at the United Nations over the past 51 years, adding that "size does not matter". He said that Maldives had been able to utilize its membership at the UN.
"The Maldives joined the United Nations on 21 September 1965 as the Organization’s smallest member at the time, with many questioning the viability of a small state like the Maldives, and its ability to contribute," he said.
Dr. Asim said that over the fifty-one years the UN has been a steadfast partner in the development of the Maldives, contributing to the progress of its social sectors, reduction of infant and maternal mortality rates, and increasing the life expectancy of Maldivians, as well as its democratization and governance reform sectors.
With the assistance of UN, Maldives was able to graduate out of the Least Developed Countries (LDC), as well as become an Millennium Development Goal (MDG) plus country. He noted that UN assistance will be invaluable in implementing the new Sustainable Development Goal (SDG).
Dr. Asim added that over the past years, Maldives had shown the world that small nations "can have a big impact in making the world a better place, not only proving the viability of small states, but their ability to bring smart ideas", including Climate Change and the Paris Agreement.
"Today, as we celebrate the Maldives membership at the United Nations, we remain convinced that the United Nations continues to be, not only a true, neutral, fair arbiter, but also a convener of best practices and dialogue between nations. The Maldives reaffirms its commitment to working with the United Nations in making the world a safe, prosperous and peaceful home for all its inhabitants," he said.
