The Maldives has marked 60 years since joining the United Nations, reflecting on six decades of active engagement with the international community and its role in advancing the interests of Small Island Developing States. The anniversary, which fell yesterday, was commemorated with messages of commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation.
The Maldives became a member of the UN on 21 September 1965, shortly after gaining independence. Since then, the country has been a vocal advocate for issues such as climate change, sustainable development, human rights, and the protection of small states. The UN has in turn supported the Maldives with technical assistance, capacity-building programmes, and efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
Over the years, the Maldives has held prominent positions within the UN. These include multiple terms on the Human Rights Council, the Presidency of the 76th General Assembly, and initiatives such as the establishment of the International Day of Women in Diplomacy. The Maldives has also been behind efforts to create a Voluntary Technical Assistance Trust Fund to support the participation of Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States in the work of the Human Rights Council, and has contributed to the recognition of the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, in a message marking the anniversary, described the Maldives’ entry into the UN as a moment of hope and ambition. He noted that the relationship between the Maldives and the organisation has since evolved into a flourishing partnership that has helped strengthen healthcare, education, governance, and human rights.
Highlighting the Maldives’ leadership on climate action, the President said the country’s efforts have shown that even the smallest states can make meaningful contributions to peace, justice, and sustainability. He also called for reform within the UN to meet modern challenges, stressing the importance of maintaining trust in decision-making and citing the ongoing conflict in Gaza as an example of the need for decisive action.
As the Maldives looks back on its 60-year journey with the UN, it has reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of the UN Charter and its intention to continue advocating for a more just, resilient, and sustainable world.
