Today the Maldives is marking its Golden Jubilee of Membership at the United Nations.
On this occasion, I wish to extend warm felicitations to President Abduallah Yameen Abdul Gayoom, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dunya Maumoon and the people of the Maldives.
I also wish to extend our congratulations to my colleagues from Gambia and Singapore, and share with them our joy as we celebrate fifty years of membership at the UN.
The Maldives celebrates its fiftieth anniversary of membership at the UN, during a momentous year for the United Nations. This year, the UN celebrates its 70th anniversary. In a few days, World Leaders will adopt a new agenda for sustainable development: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. And the world looks forward to a new climate change agreement later this year. The Maldives remains committed to continue its advocacy on carrying forward these processes as the Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS).
During our engagement with the United Nations, the Maldives stays focussed in raising its voice in favor of small states - their particular vulnerabilities, security challenges and ways of ensuring their greater participation within the UN bodies.
The Maldives was, and will remain a steadfast believer in the principles of the United Nations Charter, and resolute in its commitment to the realization of the core objectives of this organization.
I wish to take this opportunity to pay special tribute to all Maldivians who had previously served, and are serving today, in their dedicated efforts in presenting the interests of the Maldives at the United Nations.
Ahmed Sareer, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Maldives to the UN.
