Bringing the world together for more meaningful climate action is the key of priorities, says President of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and Maldives Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid.
During a joint press conference held at the President’s Office following the PGA’s courtesy call on President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Wednesday morning, Shahid stated that the Covid-19 pandemic will continue to impact the lives and livelihoods across the globe.
Highlighting the pandemic has brought the value of multilateralism and cooperation to the spotlight, PGA Shahid noted that it has also taught the importance of continuing the battle against the virus and the new variants posing continued challenges.
The second thing Shahid noted is to ensure vaccine equity.
With this being said, Shahid stated that Maldives is lucky to have access to vaccine and to fulfill its vision of vaccinating the entire population, as countries across the glob still struggle to access vaccinations, which the PGA described as tragic.
We need the international community to address this imbalance. International cooperation will be essential to rebuild and rebuild more sustainably, stronger, greener, and bluer. The 2030 agenda for sustainable development will be our template. As we continue to battle Covid-19, countries like the Maldives, especially continue to battle the impacts of climate change, we need action now, we need the international community to come together now, bringing the world together for more meaningful climate action and that is the key of my priorities”Abdulla Shahid, UNGA President, Maldives Foreign Minister.
During the presser, President Solih expressed his belief that the UN plays a vital role in assisting in recovery efforts from Covid-19, across the entire globe.
The president went on to commend Shahid’s efforts in resource mobilization in ensuring equitable access to affordable vaccination.
He went on to note that several bodies of the UN had assisted Maldives financially during the initial phase of the pandemic, to which he expressed gratitude.
Upon the invitation of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, PGA Shahid arrived in the Maldives on Wednesday morning.
He was received at the Velana International Airport (VIA) by Minister of Tourism Dr. Abdulla Mausoom, Chief of Staff at the President’s Office Ali Zahir, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ahmed Khaleel and Foreign Secretary Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed.
