Muizzu Calls for Global Unity and Reform at UNGA 79
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu addressed the General Debate of the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 79), emphasising the need for adherence to the rule of law and advocating for Palestine’s full membership in the United Nations.
He condemned human rights violations, asserting that such acts must not be tolerated regardless of a nation’s size or wealth. Dr. Muizzu described the situation in Gaza as a significant injustice and a failure of the international system, condemning the actions of Israel, which have led to numerous deaths and injuries among Palestinians, including women and children. He expressed concern over the destruction of vital infrastructure such as homes, hospitals, and schools, and noted the escalation of violence with recent Israeli raids in Lebanon resulting in additional civilian casualties.
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The President highlighted the targeting of journalists, including those from Palestine, Lebanon, and Al-Jazeera, labelling these actions as attempts to obscure the realities on the ground in Gaza. He called for accountability for what he termed acts of terrorism and violations of international law, reiterating the necessity for the recognition of a sovereign Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
In his speech, Dr. Muizzu also outlined his vision for the Maldives to evolve into a fully developed nation by 2040. He underscored the importance of increased productivity, digital transformation, and leveraging the nation’s natural beauty and marine resources to achieve this aim. Plans to enhance productivity through institutional reforms, improve digital connectivity, and raise ICT infrastructure and digital literacy were also discussed, with a goal for the digital economy to contribute up to 15% of GDP by 2030.
To bolster economic diversification, the President mentioned initiatives to strengthen the financial sector and establish the Development Bank of Maldives. He further announced plans to empower women in public office and introduced the Presidential Youth Advisory Board to gain insights into the needs of young people.
Dr. Muizzu called for global collaboration to tackle climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss, labelling climate change as humanity’s most pressing challenge. He urged immediate, science-based responses supported by adequate resources and called on high-emission countries to fulfil their financial commitments to support adaptation efforts.
Reaffirming the Maldives’ commitment to sustainability, he pledged that by 2028, 33% of the country’s electricity demands would be sourced from renewable energy. He also emphasised the importance of addressing plastic pollution and conserving biodiversity to protect endangered species, urging the international community to act decisively for future generations.
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Muizzu called for unity among nations to resolve global crises, stressing that many challenges are man-made. He urged for a reformed United Nations that can make tangible impacts on people’s lives and support smaller nations like the Maldives. He expressed concerns over the UN’s effectiveness in addressing critical issues such as climate change, conflict, and inequality, declaring, “The Maldives cannot—and will not—stand idle while the multilateral system fails.”
His address served as a clarion call for comprehensive reforms to strengthen the United Nations, with a focus on ensuring it becomes a robust force for peace, security, and sustainable development.
