Statement by His Excellency Mr Ahmed Sareer, Permanent Representative of Maldives to the UN at the briefing by the Secretary-General on his priorities for 2016
14 January 2015, New York
Mr President, Secretary General, Distinguished Delegates,
I wish to thank you, Mr. Secretary General, for your briefing this morning, outlining your priorities for the year. We agree with the priorities that you have identified and you can count on my delegation’s support throughout the year.
2015 was a remarkable year for multilateral diplomacy. Our vision for a fairer, greener world must now be turned to action.
In this regard, of particular importance to the Maldives and other Small Island Developing States is the Paris Agreement. Realising the commitments made in the agreement will be important for our viability and for some of us, even our survival.
The goals and targets of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda are also of paramount importance to us.
Mr President, as you know, the United Nations has recognized Small Island Developing States like the Maldives as a special case for sustainable development. Therefore, for us, realizing the commitments made in the SAMOA Pathway will continue to be a priority this year as well.
It is through our collective action that we can realize the priorities and the lofty aims of this organsiation.
Mr Secretary General, wish you all the best in your final year as the Secretary General of the United Nations.
Thank you.
