The Permanent Mission of the Republic of Maldives to the United Nations (PMNY) is entrusted with the task of representing the Maldives at the United Nations – to monitor and participate in the various meetings of the United Nations and its affiliated bodies that are held in New York, including the annual UNGA and to report back to the Ministry.
Its primary purpose is to protect and promote the national interest of the country as defined by the foreign policy objectives of the administration in power, advise and recommend policy options to the Foreign Ministry.
In addition to its role in representing the Maldives at the UNGA, the Mission is also expected to participate, assist and advise the Ministry on all activities that are taking place in the United Nations that is of relevance and interest to the Maldives. These would include the meetings of the Security Council, ECOSOC, OIC, NAM, AOSIS and a host of other UN related meetings, including various UN Special Sessions that are held annually and preparations for which often goes throughout the year.
The UN today comprises 193 member states and while it holds its annual substantive session of the GA from September through December, it is in reality in action throughout the year. The work of the UN has expanded quite considerably in recent years as its membership has grown and the world has become more complex and interdependent.
In recent years, the Maldives has become more active and engaged in international affairs than ever before. Having graduated from the Least Developed Country category in 2011, the Maldives has embraced their "developing country" status and has committed to meeting its international obligations and responsibilities. The Maldives is today a mature country, engaged with the community of nations, and with a voice on the world stage.
Unofficial Translation of the Dhivehi Mandate from the President’s Office
Permanent Mission of Maldives to the United Nations
1. The Permanent Mission of the Maldives to the United Nations is required to participate in the various bodies of the United Nations and then report to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Among the specific duties are:
a. UNGA –Monitor the UN General Assembly and its issues. Mission staff will participate in the meeting, research the issues discussed and then formulate what the position of Maldives should be, while being consistent with national policy. This position will then be sent to the Ministry. The decisions of the group must be relayed back to the Ministry
b. Security Council – Monitor the UN Security Council and its issues. Mission staff will participate in the meeting, research the issues discussed and then formulate what the position of Maldives should be, while being consistent with national policy. This position will then be sent to the Ministry. The decisions of the group must be relayed back to the Ministry
c. ECOSOC – Mission staff will participate and monitor the meetings of the Economic and Social Council, research the issues discussed and then formulate what the position of Maldives should be, while being consistent with national policy. This position will then be sent to the Ministry. The decisions of the group must be relayed back to the Ministry
d. OIC, Common Wealth, NAM, other UN associations –Mission staff will participate in the meetings, research the issues discussed and then formulate what the position of Maldives should be, while being consistent with national policy. This position will then be sent to the Ministry. The decisions of the group must be relayed back to the Ministry
e. Indian Ocean Issues – Any adhoc committee, commission, or open ended working group that deals with issues regarding the Indian Ocean should be monitored by the Mission. Mission staff will participate in the meetings, research the issues discussed and then formulate what the position of Maldives should be, while being consistent with national policy. This position will then be sent to the Ministry. The decisions of the group must be relayed back to the Ministry
f. Asian Group – Mission staff will monitor and participate in the Asian Group meetings, research the issues discussed and then formulate what the position of Maldives should be, while being consistent with national policy. This position will then be sent to the Ministry. The decisions of the group must be relayed back to the Ministry
g. Alliance of Small Island States (AoSIS) – informal groups sessions, participate in the meeting, research the issues discussed, formulate the position of Maldives, represent Maldives taking a position that is consistent with government policy, while being consistent with national policy. Then send that position to the Ministry. Later, decisions made by the group should be reported back to the ministry.
h. Any other meetings that are held in New York can be attended with the approval of the Ministry, participate in the meeting, research the issues discussed, formulate the position of Maldives, represent Maldives taking a position that is consistent with government policy, while being consistent with national policy. Then send that position to the Ministry. Later, decisions made by the group should be reported back to the ministry.
2. Send UN resolutions that are passed which requires action from Maldives to the Ministry. The Ministry will then direct the mission on how to respond/take action.
3. Out of the UN Resolutions that are passed, where the Missions sees that Maldives should be involved, make recommendations towards the Ministry for involvement. The Ministry will then direct the mission on how to respond/take action.
4. Monitor and attend to the financial obligations of the Maldives to the UN.
5. Get information on UN donor countries, agencies, and organizations; especially information concerning where there may be changes that affect Maldivian policy, and suggest actions that need to be taken. Update the Ministry continuously.
6. National policies should be explained to other countries regarding international issues, and the mission should work to protect and promote the interests of the Maldives.
7. Send documents that the Ministry requests, as well as other important documents necessary for statements on important international issues.
8. The Mission should work to develop political connections and relations with other countries, facilitating the establishment of diplomatic relations, with countries where Maldives has no accredited embassies/missions.
9. Mission should be responsible for the candidature of the UN and other international organizations, and be responsible for providing information to Maldives regarding candidates from other countries who ask for support and provide information on problems and reciprocal proposals.
10. Provide assistance to important government officials who come to the United States, when requested by the Ministry.
11. Look after government properties, assets, and obligations in New York.
12. The news relevant to the Maldives, in the American media should be send to the Ministry
13. Establish and maintain a relationship with the diplomatic, UN, and media communities. And establish a relationship with the senior officials of the UN secretariat. Promote the Maldives with these people and a way to make these relationships beneficial to the Maldives
14. Represent Maldives at various receptions and functions, accepting invitation.
15. Provide information to the American populous, promoting Maldivian business, tourism, fishing enterprises, and development standards.
