“Small states continue to prove that small states can lead…that it is not size, but smart ideas that make a nation’s destiny”, said Former President Dr Mohamed Waheed, Special Envoy of President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom to the sixty-ninth session of the General Debate.
Highlighting the particular challenges faced by Small Island Developing States, Former President Waheed reiterated the need for them to have a louder voice in the international arena. He reaffirmed Maldives’ commitment to taking AOSIS forward to face the challenges ahead and called on others to join the Maldives.
“Sustainability is about managing, but resilience is about thriving” said Former President Waheed. , Reflecting on the Maldives’ experience in consolidating democracy, Former President Waheed noted that holding elections, or introducing multiple party political systems does not instill democratic values. While the Maldives is proud that its democracy is home-grown and organic, “the only way for new home grown democracies to achieved resilience is to shift the way its people think”, Former President Waheed noted. He also noted the importance of cultivating a culture of respect for human rights, and to make human rights a way of life.
On the international front, the Maldives once again reaffirmed its support for a two-state solution to achieve peace in the Middle East. Emphasizing the Palestinians’ right to self-determination, the Former President reminded the international community that “the siege is not over, the blockade has not ended”. He called on the international community to do more, and to resume peace talks with a clear goal and an endpoint in mind.
The Special Envoy also denounced ideology and the activities of the so-called Islamic State and other terrorist organsiations. Speaking of the negative implications these organizations pose to Islam, our development, our way of life, Former President Waheed noted that “these groups are not only un-Islamic [but] anti-Islamic”. He reiterated Maldives’ strong condemnation of the activities of these terrorist organsiations.
As Maldives look to celebrate 50 years of membership at the UN next year, the Former President reflected on the accomplishments Maldives has achieved in terms of human development, gender equality and in fulfilling the requirements of the Millennium Development Goals. Asserting the need for people to be at the heart of every decision and every policy, the Former President and Special Envoy called on the post-2015 development agenda to be “inclusive, transparent, and people centered”. The new development agenda should succeed where MDGs failed’, said Former President Dr Mohamed Waheed.
ENDS
