Maldives Urges Practical and Inclusive Dialogue at UN Forum

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Abdullah Khaleel, has called for greater investment in dialogue that is practical, inclusive, and grounded in human dignity.

He made the remarks at the 11th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilisation held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

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Minister Khaleel emphasised that for nations like the Maldives, dialogue is more than a diplomatic formality, serving instead as a crucial tool for ensuring resilience, national identity, security, and continuity. He highlighted that climate-induced risks are complex and multifaceted, threatening not only physical territories but also cultural heritage and social cohesion. 

The Minister also addressed the risks posed by misinformation in the digital age, noting that the online environment has become a platform where misunderstandings and hostility can spread rapidly with lasting consequences.

He urged international partners to enhance their collective ability to anticipate emerging global divides, including environmental, social, and digital challenges, and to reaffirm a shared responsibility to ensure diversity functions as a stabilising force rather than a source of tension.

The 11th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilisation focused on examining the drivers of polarisation between societies and cultures, the resulting decline in trust in global governance and multilateral cooperation, and the development of strategies to foster understanding, rebuild confidence, and prevent emerging global divides.

Established in 2005, the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations provides a global platform for promoting mutual respect among cultures, countering polarisation, and encouraging inclusive dialogue. The alliance currently comprises 161 members, including 131 UN Member States, one non-member state, and 29 international organisations representing diverse societies and cultures worldwide.