Maldives calls for a new definition of security, in its statement at the High Level Thematic Debate on "Maintenance of International Peace and Security" to commemorate the seventieth anniversary of the United Nations. Foreign Secretary Dr Ali Naseer Mohamed made this call speaking at the Thematic Debate held at the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In its statement, Maldives noted that, "Security can no longer be thought in terms of inter-state conflict. Intra-state violence, ethnic strife, the security implications of economic and social crisis, [and] environmental degradation must be considered". Continuing this argument, Foreign Secretary stated that for example, in the Maldives, climate change poses a significant security threat: it risks the country's food security, it affects its water security, as well as it could mean the loss of territory. Therefore, climate change cannot be considered just as an environmental threat.
Maldives further asserted that various issues affect various countries differently, and are also able to react differently. Small Island Developing States as the most vulnerable countries in the world to the impacts of climate change also remain extremely vulnerable to crimes such as piracy and illicit use of their natural resources by others. However, they have limited capacity to deal with these threats.
Foreign Secretary underscored the need for the United Nations to address these new dimensions of security in the search for the Organisation to become more reflective of the world today.
