Launching of UN75 Dialogues in Maldives

United Nations in Maldives officially launches the activities of the biggest global campaign to mark the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations. The virtual event was initiated by the UN Resident Coordinator Ms. Catherine Haswell, in attendance of her Excellency the First Lady, Ministers of the Cabinet, Ambassadors and colleagues of the diplomatic community, UN colleagues, senior officials from Government institutions, private sector, civil society and other partners this morning.

As the United Nations is marking this milestone at a time of great upheaval around the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the UN75 Campaign will collectively bring people together across borders, sectors and generations to join the dialogue to address global challenges. With a special emphasis on participation of the youth and the most vulnerable, the campaign will aim to encourage open discussions about issues such as pandemics, the climate crisis and reducing inequalities to help Maldives to recover better. This Campaign will include a series of events throughout 2020.

Through the UN75 activities, UN Maldives looks forward to marking the 55th year of Maldives’ membership of the UN by partnering with the Government, private sector, civil society organizations and the public to enhance engagement through virtual dialogues, media and social media platforms. These conversations will seek to identify ways in which Maldives can build back better through multilateral cooperation and investing in inclusive, resilient communities that leave no one behind.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Abdulla Shahid reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the principles of the United Nations and reiterated the Government’s support to the UN75 dialogues. He also believes that the UN75 initiatives will help Maldives to narrow gaps and build back better with stronger policies.

The UN Resident Coordinator Ms. Catherine Haswell called on all partners and Maldivians to join the conversation and ensure that the Maldives is represented in the global discussions. She emphasized the importance of countries working together in a positive spirit of multilateralism to tackle global challenges and preserve development gains for all.

UN Maldives expresses sincere appreciation to all our partners for joining the event to kick off UN75 and hopes that the future initiatives under this Campaign will generate ideas and strategies from across the country on the vision that Maldivians have for the future.

2020 also marks the Decade of Action for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Agreed in 2015, Member States agreed the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with 17 SDGs to be achieved by every country, by 2030.  The UN supports the Maldives in making progress towards the SDGs, and more inclusive and sustainable development in the country.