At the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives delivered a powerful speech, urging world leaders to address pressing global challenges and act decisively on climate change. In his address, Dr. Muizzu painted a stark picture of a world in crisis, with nations facing a myriad of issues, from poverty and conflict to climate change and economic inequality.
“Humanity is in deep trouble,” Dr. Muizzu stated, as he highlighted the interconnectedness of global crises. Using a visual metaphor, he illustrated that no country remains untouched by turmoil, stressing that “humanity is in crisis, and in many cases, it’s man-made.”
Dr. Muizzu’s speech struck a balance between a critique of global inaction and a hopeful vision for the future. Reflecting on the Maldives’ journey since gaining independence in 1965, he outlined his vision for the country to become a fully developed nation by 2040, with a focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and digital transformation. He acknowledged that this ambition, though daunting, was achievable through dedicated effort, reforms, and innovation.
Key to this transformation, according to Dr. Muizzu, is the development of the digital economy. He announced plans for a digitally-driven Maldives, with the goal of having the digital economy contribute 15% of the country’s GDP by 2030. Investments in ICT infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and 5G technology will, he said, modernise essential services such as healthcare and education and drive economic growth.
“Our vision is a future driven by intelligence,” Dr. Muizzu noted, adding that the Maldives is already leveraging advanced technology to enhance service delivery and environmental monitoring. He also outlined plans to bridge the digital divide within the country and foster a start-up ecosystem, ensuring that development is both inclusive and future-focused.
Dr. Muizzu’s speech also covered the Maldives’ ongoing commitment to gender equality and youth empowerment. He highlighted a $6.5 million loan facility launched by his government, aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs, including those with disabilities, across the country. Furthermore, he introduced the Presidential Youth Advisory Board, which will provide direct feedback from the younger generation to inform government policy.
Tourism, a cornerstone of the Maldivian economy, was another focal point of the President’s address. While emphasising the need for sustainable tourism practices, he also revealed plans for expanding the country’s international airport and national airline to boost tourism and generate additional revenue.
However, Dr. Muizzu expressed concern about the vulnerabilities of tourism to external shocks, such as conflicts and environmental disasters. He called for the international community to strengthen systems that address transnational threats, including terrorism, organised crime, and climate change.
Dr. Muizzu’s most impassioned remarks were reserved for the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where he condemned the violence and called for Israel to be held accountable for what he described as a “genocide.” He reiterated the Maldives’ unwavering support for Palestinian sovereignty, calling for a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine. He also voiced support for Palestine’s full membership in the United Nations.
Climate change, described as “the most serious threat to our world,” was central to the speech. Dr. Muizzu highlighted the Maldives’ vulnerability to rising sea levels and environmental degradation, calling on wealthier nations to honour their financial commitments to climate action. He urged the international community to ensure that the upcoming COP29 conference delivers on climate finance, particularly for adaptation, mitigation, and loss and damage response.
In a significant step, the President announced that he had ratified the Global Ocean Treaty earlier in the day, reaffirming the Maldives’ commitment to ocean conservation and sustainability. He called on other nations to do the same, underlining the critical importance of safeguarding marine biodiversity and addressing pollution.
As he concluded his speech, Dr. Muizzu called for urgent reforms to the United Nations to ensure it remains relevant and effective in tackling global challenges. He announced the Maldives’ candidacy for a seat on the UN Economic and Social Council for the 2027-2029 term, pledging to work towards a more responsive and equitable multilateral system.
“The Maldives cannot – and will not – watch and stand idle, while the multilateral system fails,” Dr. Muizzu declared, emphasising that the future of small nations like the Maldives is closely tied to the strength of the global system.
President Muizzu’s address to the General Assembly was a clear call for unity and action, not only for the Maldives but for the world at large. His message was one of hope but with a stern reminder that the time for talking has passed, and the time for doing is now.
