Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef has called on the international community to protect the sovereignty of all countries, including small states, while urging greater action on conflicts, climate change and reforms to the international system.
Speaking at the General Debate of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, the Vice President said the Maldives believes every country, regardless of its size, should have the freedom and ability to decide its own future.
Latheef said the threats faced by small states have changed over the years. While countries may not face a direct military threat, their choices can still be affected through maritime routes, supply chains, financial markets, technology and digital networks.
He said the Indian Ocean must remain peaceful and open for trade, warning that competition between major powers should not restrict the choices of smaller countries.
The Maldives strongly condemned the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, saying the impact of disruptions to the important maritime route can be felt far beyond the region.
Latheef said problems with shipping through the strait can increase fuel prices and affect food supplies and air travel. For a country like the Maldives, he said, such disruptions can also have an impact on tourism and government finances.
The Maldives also condemned attacks on Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Jordan.
The Vice President welcomed diplomatic efforts by Oman, Pakistan and Qatar to reduce tensions and bring the parties towards dialogue.
The situation in Palestine was one of the strongest points raised during the address.
Latheef called for an end to the war in Gaza, the Israeli occupation of Palestine and illegal settlements. He also called for humanitarian aid to reach Palestinians safely and without delay.
The Maldives once again called for the establishment and recognition of an independent Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Latheef also said Palestine should become a full member of the United Nations.
He stressed that international law should be applied equally to every country and that no state should be protected from accountability because of its political influence or alliances.
For the Maldives, climate change was presented not only as an environmental issue but also as a question of national security and sovereignty.
Latheef said rising sea levels are already affecting the physical foundations of small island states.
He said the Maldives will continue to adapt, innovate and build resilience, but stressed that vulnerable countries need the financial resources to do so.
The Maldives called for climate finance to reach countries that need it at the necessary scale, speed and terms.
Latheef also said COP31 in Antalya should focus on delivering actual results rather than simply making new commitments.
The Vice President highlighted the government’s ambition for the Maldives to become a developed country by 2040.
He said the country is working towards this through economic diversification, increased productivity, resilient infrastructure, renewable energy and investment in its people.
“Our future will be built by Maldivians,” Latheef said.
At the same time, he noted that the international financial system, access to technology and global supply chains can either create opportunities for developing countries or limit their choices.
The Maldives therefore called for reforms to the international financial system and highlighted the Borrowers’ Platform, which was launched earlier this year by the Maldives and other developing countries.
Latheef also called for changes to the UN Security Council, saying its current structure does not reflect the world of today.
The Maldives wants the Council expanded in both permanent and non-permanent categories, with greater representation for Africa and a rotating seat for Small Island Developing States.
The Maldives also called for the abolition of the veto.
The Vice President said small countries should have a role in making decisions that directly affect them.
The Maldives will serve on the UN Economic and Social Council from 2027 to 2029 and is seeking election to the Human Rights Council for the 2028–2030 term.
The country is also seeking support for a seat on the UN Security Council for the 2033–2034 term.
The Maldives also spoke about the selection of the next UN Secretary-General.
Latheef thanked current Secretary-General António Guterres for his service and called for a transparent and merit-based process to select his successor.
He noted that every UN Secretary-General since the organisation was established has been a man.
“It is time for a woman to lead this Organisation,” he said.
Latheef said the next Secretary-General should be able to defend the UN Charter, carry out meaningful reform and listen to all member states, including small countries.
Artificial intelligence was another issue highlighted in the address.
Latheef said AI could provide opportunities for small countries by helping overcome geographical and economic limitations.
He said the technology could improve access to healthcare, education and public services.
However, he stressed that developing countries should have a say in setting international rules for AI and that technological progress should not create new forms of dependence.
In his closing remarks, Latheef returned to the central message of his address — the right of every country to determine its own future.
He said decisions taken on conflict, climate change, finance, technology and UN reform should strengthen national capacity, reduce dependence and protect the ability of countries to make their own decisions.
The Vice President recalled that the Maldives had raised concerns about the vulnerability of small states at the UN decades ago.
Today, he said, the Maldives is asking the international community to protect something equally important: the freedom of every state to choose its own future.
“A future chosen by its people. A future grounded in international law. A sovereign future for every State.”
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