The President meets with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE, Head of Delegation to UNGA 79 on the sidelines of UNGA 79

President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu met with His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates and Head of Delegation to the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), on the sidelines of UNGA 79 in New York.

During the meeting, President Dr Muizzu outlined the current situation in the Maldives, emphasising areas where the government seeks support, particularly in economic development, investment, and health sector advancements. In response, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE expressed the UAE’s strong commitment to supporting the Maldives in every possible way, highlighting the close and enduring relationship between the two countries.

The meeting concluded with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties and advancing strategic cooperation on shared priorities. It underscored their mutual determination to deepen the partnership between the Maldives and the UAE, with a shared focus on fostering long-term collaboration across key sectors.

The President meets with the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Racing of New Zealand, Head of Delegation to UNGA 79 on the sidelines of UNGA 79

President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu met with His Excellency Winston Peters, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Minister of Racing of New Zealand and Head of Delegation to the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), on the sidelines of the UNGA 79 in New York.

The President and the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Racing of New Zealand engaged in discussions aimed at exploring new avenues for bilateral cooperation, including strengthening people-to-people connections, enhancing trade and investment opportunities, and leveraging the Maldives' strategic geographical location for mutual benefit. The conversation also covered pressing multilateral issues, with both parties emphasising the importance of addressing climate change and finding sustainable solutions to environmental challenges.

The upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa, set to take place this October, was also highlighted as a key opportunity for collaboration on global challenges.

The President visits Google Office in New York

President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu visited the Google Office in New York, where he was welcomed by Google Public Sector CEO Karen Dahut.

Following a tour of the office, he met with the Google team, and discussed areas for collaboration regarding the integration of AI in public service delivery, promotion of digital literacy, and data driven solutions for climate resilience.

The President arrived in New York to attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly.

The President meets with the Chief Advisor of the Interim Government of Bangladesh on the sidelines of UNGA 79

A prosperous, strong, and fiercely independent Maldives is important for the future order in the Indian Ocean – President Dr. Muizzu

President His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has emphasised the strategic significance of the Maldives in maintaining the balance of power in the Indian Ocean, and reaffirmed that a prosperous, independent Maldives is vital for Indian Ocean and broader global community.

Speaking at the ‘Deans Leadership Series’ of Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs, the President highlighted the nation’s rapid transformation, asserting that the Maldives is a development success story. He reiterated his commitment to transforming the country into an inclusive and prosperous society, step up advocacy to take action on climate crisis, and to reform the international financial architecture.

President Dr. Muizzu highlighted the Maldives’ leadership and advocacy for urgent global action to prevent a climate disaster. He reaffirmed the nation’s dedication to environmental conservation and raising awareness about climate change. The President proposed diversifying the economy, enhancing leadership, and strengthening democracy in the Maldives to avert climate disasters. President Dr. Muizzu also shed light on the administration’s initiatives to digital transformation and artificial intelligence.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu addresses Princeton University students

Al Jazeera English: Maldives president condemns Israeli attacks against journalists, media freedom

President Muizzu's remarks at Maldives side event: Renewable Energy

President's remarks at the High-Level Meeting on Sea Level Rise at the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly

President Dr Muizzu urges a coordinated global response to climate change and rising sea levels

President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu called for urgent coordinated global action to address climate change and rising sea levels. He made these remarks while delivering the Maldives statement at the Plenary of the High-level Meeting on Sea Level Rise, held during the ongoing High-Level Week of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

In his remarks, the President proposed three key actions:

1. Increase Adaptation Finance: He urged an immediate rise in adaptation finance, addressed the imbalance between mitigation and adaptation efforts, and called for simplifying access to funds and integrating the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) into global financing.

The President meets with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Commonwealth of Australia, Head of Delegation to UNGA 79 on the sidelines of UNGA 79

President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu met with Her Excellency Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Commonwealth of Australia and Head of the Australia Delegation to UNGA 79 on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly.

The discussions focused on various areas of mutual interest, both regionally and internationally, including the stability and security of the Indian Ocean and tackling climate change and adaptation. The President and the Minister emphasised the importance of ongoing cooperation to address these shared concerns and reaffirmed their commitment to achieving common goals.

At the meeting the President expressed gratitude to the Australian government for providing scholarship opportunities and expressed hopes to expand similar initiatives in the future.

The President meets with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Singapore, Head of Delegation to UNGA 79 on the sidelines of UNGA 79

President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu met with His Excellency Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Singapore and Head of Delegation to the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), on the sidelines of the UNGA 79 in New York.

In the meeting, the President discussed his goals to attract more investments, enhance digital services, and address climate change. He highlighted the need for technical support in public housing and shared plans to develop Ras Malé into a digital, eco-friendly city.

The President highlighted the importance of improving digital infrastructure, particularly for the country’s youth, who comprise 50% of the population. He emphasised the need for full access to platforms like PayPal, which would help young entrepreneurs reach global markets and promote their innovations.

The President Meets USAID Administrator on UNGA 79 Sidelines

President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu met with Ms. Samantha Power, Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

The Administrator of USAID commended the Maldives' ambitious plans and affirmed USAID's readiness to collaborate on various initiatives. She also discussed potential support for enabling PayPal services in the Maldives and facilitating the country's membership in the Open Government Partnership (OGP), as these align closely with the President's visionary development agenda.

The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to working together in areas of mutual interest and ensuring continued collaboration beneficial to both nations.

The President meets with Prime Minister of Pakistan on the sidelines of UNGA 79

President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu met with His Excellency Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The meeting reinforced the strong and brotherly relationship between the two nations, with both leaders emphasising their shared values and mutual interests.

During the meeting, the President and the Prime Minister explored potential avenues for cooperation in various sectors, including commerce, trade, education, tourism, and increasing direct flights between the two countries. The Pakistani Prime Minister commended the Maldives' remarkable progress in tourism and expressed interest in leveraging the Maldives' expertise to further develop Pakistan's tourism sector. Read more

President delivers General Debate Statement at UNGA 79

President’s remarks at the General Debate of the 79th session of the UNGA

President delivers General Debate Statement at UNGA 79

We need Nations United in harmony not a United Nations in misery

President delivers General Debate Statement at UNGA 79

President Dr Muizzu calls for global action on climate change and sustainability at UNGA 79

President delivers General Debate Statement at UNGA 79

President Dr Muizzu calls for rule of law and full UN membership for Palestine

Speaking at the UNGA79 General Debate, President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu asserted the need for the rule of law and called for Palestine’s full membership in the United Nations.

The President stated that human rights violations by any country—regardless of its size or wealth—must not be tolerated. He described the situation in Gaza as a grave injustice and a failure of the international system.

President Dr Muizzu condemned that Israel's atrocities have resulted in the deaths and injuries of thousands of Palestinians, including men, women, children, and babies. He criticised the destruction of homes, hospitals, schools, and humanitarian infrastructure. He also highlighted that while the world is struggling to process the deaths of civilians in Gaza, now Israeli raids in Lebanon are claiming hundreds more civilian lives there.

President also stressed that Israel is targeting killings of journalists, including Palestinian, Lebanese, and Al-Jazeera journalists, as well as the closure of Al-Jazeera offices, as attempts to prevent the world from knowing about the crimes taking place in Gaza.

President called on Israel to be held accountable for the acts of terrorism, violations of international law & UN resolutions.

The President reiterated his call for recognizing a sovereign and independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Maldives discuss assistance in environment and energy sector with UK

Maldives and the United Kingdom (UK) have held significant discussions, with the Maldives requesting for assistance in the environment and energy sector. The discussions were held between the Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Thoriq Ibrahim and UK's Minister of Climate Change Kerry McCarthy. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79). Read more

Minister Thoriq emphasizes importance of securing financial aid for small island nations

Minister of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy Thoriq Ibrahim has underscored the necessity of achieving effective financial assistance targeted for small island nations. He made these remarks while representing the Maldives at the Leaders' Meeting of the Alliance of Small Island States during the 79th United Nations General Assembly. Read more

The President meets with Palestinian President, urges global support for Ceasefire

On the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly, President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu met with His Excellency Dr. Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State of Palestine.

During the meeting, President Abbas delivered a powerful message to the international community, stating, "We are asking for a ceasefire because we are also human," and called for global support and collaboration to address the plight of the Palestinian people.

President Dr Muizzu reaffirmed the Maldives' unwavering support for Palestine in every possible way. He expressed hope that the Palestinian people would receive all their rightful entitlements and pledged the Maldives' continued efforts to secure international recognition of Palestine as an independent nation. Read more

The President meets with Foreign Minister of the Sultanate of Oman, Head of Delegation to UNGA 79 on the sidelines of UNGA 79

President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu met with His Excellency Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi, Foreign Minister of the Sultanate of Oman and Head of Delegation to UNGA 79, on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly.

During the meeting, President Muizzu expressed his gratitude for the continued support provided by the Government of the Sultanate of Oman and outlined his administration's development agenda. He identified several crucial areas that require additional assistance, such as budgetary support, infrastructure development, and the training of local teachers to build human capacity, among others.

In conclusion, President Muizzu and the Foreign Minister of the Sultanate of Oman reiterated their commitment to working together on issues of shared interest and emphasised their determination to strengthen diplomatic and strategic relations moving forward.

President Dr Muizzu meets with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia, Head of Delegation to UNGA 79 on the sidelines of UNGA 79

President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu met with His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Head of Delegation to UNGA 79, on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly.

During the meeting, President Muizzu expressed his gratitude to the Government of Saudi Arabia for its continuous support in the development of the Maldives and acknowledged the close, brotherly relations between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia. He highlighted key areas where further assistance is needed, including fiscal reform, education, healthcare and economic development, while also emphasising matters related to the Hajj pilgrimage.

In response, the Saudi Foreign Minister affirmed that the Saudi government would continue to provide aid in various sectors and indicated a willingness to consider increasing the Hajj quota for the Maldives. He also extended his best wishes for the upcoming sessions of UNGA 79. Read more

President Dr Muizzu meets with the President of the European Commission on the sidelines of UNGA 79

President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu met with Her Excellency Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly.

During the meeting, both leaders praised the strong and dynamic relations between the European Union and the Maldives, expressing a mutual desire to further enhance diplomatic ties.

President Dr Muizzu presented his administration's development agenda, highlighting key areas requiring additional assistance to advance the country's progress. He expressed concern over the 24% tariff imposed on Maldivian fish exports to the European Union, stressing that this taxation significantly hinders the Maldives' competitiveness in the EU market. Additionally, he noted the Maldives' efforts in climate adaptation and mitigation. Read more

The President meets with Crown Prince of Kuwait, Head of Delegation to UNGA 79

President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu met with His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Crown Prince of Kuwait and Head of the Delegation to UNGA 79, on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly.

During the meeting, the President expressed his gratitude to the government of Kuwait for its continued support, particularly in the health sector. He also emphasised his administration's commitment to its development agenda, highlighting key areas requiring further assistance, including the enhancement of the transportation system. Additionally, the President extended an invitation to Kuwaiti investors to contribute to the development of the Maldives.

In conclusion, President Dr Muizzu and the Crown Prince of Kuwait reaffirmed their dedication to collaborative efforts on matters of shared concern and reiterated their resolve to strengthen diplomatic and strategic relations in the future.

President Dr Muizzu urges global action on digital divide, proposes steps for Inclusive Digital Future

President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu highlighted that one-third of the global population lacks internet access, particularly in developing countries, hindering development and justice. Speaking as Co-Chair at the Summit of the Future's "Interactive Dialogue 3: Towards a Common Digital Future," he called for policies to ensure no one is left behind.

In his remarks, the President made three key suggestions:

1. Empowering Youth: He urged initiatives to empower young people in the digital economy and emphasised investing in digital skills and re-skilling to drive local innovation and economic diversification. Read more

President's remarks at the opening of Interactive Dialogue 3 of the Summit of the Future

The President meets with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of China

President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu met with His Excellency Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Monday.

During the meeting, President Dr Muizzu highlighted the importance the Maldives places on its relationship with China. He also discussed ongoing agreements and projects between the two nations. The President expressed his appreciation for China's support in developing the Maldives tourism sector.

In response, Wang Yi reaffirmed China's commitment to continuing its support for the Maldives in all areas of cooperation. Both leaders underscored the importance of sustained collaboration to address shared concerns, particularly in relation to climate change and adaptation efforts. Read more

The President meets with the Maldivian community residing in New York

September 23, 2024

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, who is currently visiting New York to attend the 79th session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, met with Maldivians residing in New York at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of the Maldives to the United Nations.

During the meeting, the President listened to the concerns of the Maldivians residing in the United States and inquired about their needs. He also asked about the challenges they were encountering and how the Government could assist them.

The President stated that the administration would always strive to progress by engaging in open dialogue and listening attentively to the people. He added that the Government is committed to developing policies that reflect the concerns and needs of the people.

President Dr Muizzu underscores the pivotal role of resilient infrastructure as a key enabler of economic growth

September 22, 2024

President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu recognized the need for increased productivity and capacity building to achieve long-term, inclusive economic growth at the Maldives' side event, "Building Productive Capacities in Small Island Developing States (SIDS)," at the UN.

Speaking at the event, the President acknowledged the Maldives' progress from a low-income to an upper-middle-income country, primarily due to the growth of the tourism sector. He further highlighted the challenges to overcoming the middle-income trap. To address this, President Muizzu called upon the international community to assist SIDS in diversifying their economies and expanding their productive capacity frameworks.

In his statement, the President proposed three key strategies to achieve the Ten-Year Programme of Action outlined in the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAs).

September 22, 2024

The President reiterated the Maldives' commitment to playing a more active role in the UN system, in his meeting with the United Nations Secretary General

September 22, 2024

The President envisions a Maldives where digital innovation empowers young people, and drives economic opportunity and social equity

September 22, 2024

President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu has envisioned a future for the Maldives, where young people are empowered, and where digital innovation is the engine that drives economic opportunity and social equity. He made these remarks during his address at the Plenary Segment of the Summit of the Future, held at the General Assembly Hall of the United Nations Headquarters (UNHQ).

In his address, the President called for the multilateral system to not be an abstract concept but a practical reality in addressing global challenges. The President presented three proposals aimed at enhancing the multilateral system to yield tangible results.

Firstly, the President highlighted the critical importance of empowering young people. He emphasised the need to design declarations and agreements to inspire and engage the youth. Additionally, he outlined his initiatives to include young people in the policymaking process and to create opportunities for them to unleash their creative potential.

President delivers Maldives’ statement at the Summit of the Future

September 22, 2024

The President attends the opening Segment of the Summit of the Future

September 22, 2024

President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu attended the opening segment of the Summit of the Future at the United Nations Headquarters. The Summit brings world leaders together to build a consensus on addressing current challenges and safeguarding the future.

The two-day Summit aims to accelerate progress on existing international commitments and tackle emerging challenges through the Pact for the Future, an action-oriented outcome document. The Summit also seeks to create mechanisms that reflect 21st-century realities, including a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations.

The President is scheduled to deliver a statement at the Plenary Segment of the Summit, as well as co-chair an interactive dialogue of the Summit “Towards a Common Digital Future: strengthening inclusive innovation and cooperation to bridge the digital divide.

Pathway needed for national development can be achieved by acquiring respect on the global stage, says the President

September 21, 2024

President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that the pathway needed for national development can be achieved by acquiring respect on the global stage. Emphasising the crucial role of making our voice resonate in international forums, the President made these remarks in a video message publicized to celebrate the 59th anniversary of the Maldives membership at the United Nations.

In his video message, the President underscored the importance of voicing out in the international arena and becoming a state that respects and is respected in the international community.

The President revealed that his most prominent role in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) would be to present his vision for the progress of the Maldives. He remarked that his utmost focus at the United Nations would be to convey his vision for the Maldives, voicing the desires and feelings of the Maldivian people to the international community.

September 21, 2024

President’s remarks at Summit of the Future Action Days Building Resilient Futures

September 21, 2024, 11:00 PM

President Dr Muizzu calls for strengthening the link between debt relief and climate finance

President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu called on the international community to strengthen the connection between debt relief and climate finance, aiming to alleviate the debt challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Speaking as Co-Chair of the Strategic Advisory Group for the SIDS Debt Sustainability Support Service, at the side event titled ‘Building Resilient Futures: The Global SIDS Debt Sustainability Support Service’, he underscored the vulnerability of SIDS and their ongoing struggles with debt sustainability. He advocated for a closer integration of debt relief and climate finance, recommending that the SIDS Debt Sustainability Support Service (DSSS) prioritise securing more favourable debt relief conditions, including lower interest rates and extended repayment terms.

September 21, 2024, 09:11 PM

Side event “Building Resilient Futures: The SIDS Debt Sustainability Support Service.

September 21, 2024, 07:32 PM

The President arrives in New York to attend the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly

President His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, arrived in New York on Sunday morning to attend the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). This marks his first visit to the UN and the United States since taking office in November of last year.

Upon his arrival, the President was welcomed by Dr. Ali Naseer Mohamed, the Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the UN.

During this visit the President is scheduled to address different meetings and events of the 79th session of the UNGA, as well as take part in a special open debate at the UN Security Council.

In addition to his UN engagements, President Dr Muizzu will attend the "Summit of the Future," a key event happening alongside the UNGA. He is also scheduled to deliver a speech at Princeton University, addressing both faculty and students.

President Dr Muizzu is accompanied by a high-level government delegation during this visit.

September 21, 2024, 06:46 PM

September 21, 2024, 02:33 PM

September 21, 2024, 10:05 AM

The Maldives will benefit more from international interactions, says the President

September 20, 2024, 08:30 PM

The President said that during his visit, he would speak on issues of importance to the Maldives at the UN General Assembly and other significant engagements. He stressed how crucial it is for the Maldives to stay in touch with international partners for potential benefits and maintain a strong global presence, especially at the United Nations, given the country's current situation. Additionally, the President noted the need to address issues crucial to the progress of the Maldives, primarily those related to the environment, technology, and developmental aspects, for which he intends to seek assistance during the visit.

President Dr Muizzu departs for New York to attend the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly

September 20, 2024, 07:30 PM

President His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Muizzu departed for New York this evening to participate in the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 79). He is accompanied by a high-level Maldivian delegation and is set to play an active leadership role throughout the proceedings.

President Dr. Muizzu to Attend the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 79)

September 19, 2024, 09:30 PM

Chief Spokesperson at the President's Office, Heena Waleed, has announced that President His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Muizzu will attend the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 79). She made these remarks during a press conference held on Thursday at the President's Office.

This visit marks President Muizzu's inaugural official trip to the United Nations General Assembly. The President will deliver remarks at the UN General Assembly and participate in a special open debate at the UN Security Council.

Speaking at the press conference, Heena revealed that this will be the first time a Maldivian President participates in a debate at the UN Security Council.

She further revealed that the President is scheduled to attend the Summit of the Future on the sidelines of UNGA 79 and will also deliver a speech to students at Princeton University.