Making the United Nations more effective, relevant, approachable and bringing the UN closer to the people are key priorities in the 76th Session of the UNGA’s “Presidency of Hope”, 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 revitalizing the UN is a priority.
Making processes more efficient, making the UN more effective, making the UN relevant and approachable, bringing the UN closer to the people, these are key priorities for me.”Abdulla Shahid, UNGA President, Maldives Foreign Minister.
Highlighting that the people remain at the “center” of all his endeavors, Shahid noted that it is of utmost importance to respect the rights of all, ensure the adoption of a raised approach in actions.
He went on to express his special commitment to ensure gender equality, to address the concerns of women and girls around the world as well as the ensure the participation of youth and hearing their voices.
I am especially committed to ensuring gender equality, addressing the concerns of women and girls around the world. I am especially committed to ensuring the participation of youth, to hearing their voices. The president mentioned my youth fellowship programme that is just one avenue of increasing youth involvement in my presidency. I will continue to engage with them like I will do later today here in the Maldives.”Abdulla Shahid, UNGA President, Maldives Foreign Minister.
PGA Shahid expressed gratitude for President Solih’s support towards his presidency, including to the endorsement of staff to his office.
The Maldivian president also received the PGA’s thanks for the trust placed in him by nominating Shahid as the Maldives’ candidate for the UNGA Presidency.
President Solih urged Shahid to embrace the values upheld by the Maldives in areas of foreign policy, democracy, climate change as well as upholding human rights as PGA.
Further, he shed light on the importance of fender equality, social parity and the empowerment of women and girls in their plight across the globe. The president urged PGA Shahid to give priority to these efforts.
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.
