President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has delivered the Maldives’ General Debate Statement at the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), pledging that with the revival of the Maldives’ journey towards democracy following years of self-imposed isolationism, the Maldives will be a responsible and proactive member of the World Community.
The President expressed his elation that the Maldives has come out of its shell of isolationism, reinvigorated with the spirit of liberal internationalism enshrined in the United Nations Charter, and now stands in bright contrast to present global trends of increased autocracy and illiberalism.
“Meaningful democracy is about more than just holding elections, it’s about involving citizens in the decision-making process,” the President said, detailing the long journey to win the democratic elections against seemingly insurmountable odds. “The responsibility they have entrusted in me is something I do not take lightly. There is much that needs to be done.”
Addressing the international community, President Solih summarised his administration’s transformative development agenda to safeguard constitutional freedoms, strengthen institutions, decentralise the government, protect the environment and ensure justice.
Outlining the country’s key priorities in the international arena, the President expressed Maldives’ desire to become part of the shared solution to the problems confronting the world today. He highlighted the rise in violent extremism as one of the biggest threats of the 21st century and called on the international community to be proactive in preventing the active efforts of opportunists who twist religion and poison young minds to do their bidding.
“What is required is concerted global action,” President Solih said, “This involves everything from intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism training and best practice sharing, as well as reforming our financial system to starve terrorist networks of finance.”
Delivering his remarks at an unprecedentedly early sixth speaking slot - a privilege rarely accorded to small island states - President Ibrahim Solih is the first Maldivian Head of State to address the General Assembly and deliver the annual general debate statement in the past seven years.
