Abdulla Shahid, Minister of Foreign Affairs has urged to strengthen the Office of the President of the United Nations General Assembly.

He made the call during an informal dialogue on the Revitalization of the Work of the General Assembly

FM Shahid took part in an informal dialogue hosted by the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Revitalization of the Work of the General Assembly (AHWG) virtually on Wednesday.

The Maldivian foreign minister was invited to the informal dialogue, to contribute in his capacity as President of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

During his remarks at the dialogue, FM Shahid shed light on the mandate of the president and the office of the UNGA as well as the multiple challenges the office of the UNGA president faces within the delivery of its functions.

Shedding light on the lack of funding the office of the UNGA President receives, FM Shahid called on Member States to consider increasing contributions from the regular budget.

The Maldivian minister went on to emphasize on the significance of maintaining a close relationship with the Vice Presidents of the General Assembly as well as the General Committee.

Further, stressing the importance of having a geographical and gender balanced team, FM Shahid noted that during his time as President of the General Assembly his team consisted of delegates from 49 countries which represented all the five regions.

As such he noted the importance of having representation from small and developing countries.

FM Shahid concluded his remarks by emphasizing the importance of the UN General Assembly.