Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Dr. Salma Rasheed has presented her credentials.

During a formal ceremony held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva on Friday, Dr. Salma officially presented her Letter of Credence to the Director General of the United Nations Office in Geneva, Tatiana Valovaya.

The ceremony saw Ambassador Salma expressing gratitude to Director General Valovaya for the warm reception.

She offered greetings from President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, the government and the people of Maldives to UN Secretary-General António Guterres. 

Dr. Salma reiterated the president’s appreciation for his leadership and the impactful work of the UN in these challenging times.

Further, she reaffirmed the dedication and commitment of the Maldivian government to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms.

She also expressed the government’s commitment to make significant contributions toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda.

Thanking the Director General for emphasizing gender parity, climate change, and international economic integration as her priorities, Dr. Salam expressed gratitude for her continued advocacy for geographical representation in the UN Office in Geneva.

Sharing the president’s foreign policy priorities on climate change, democracy, good governance, rule of law, human rights, and gender equality, the Maldivian ambassador reassured that the Maldivian government remains committed to remain a leading voice for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Dr. Salma was appointed as the new Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations in Geneva by President Muizzu on 7 May 2024.

The ambassador offers considerable experience from over 40 years in the health sector, particularly from her roles in developing the first National Health Plan and the national childhood immunization program in the Maldives.

Dr. Salma attained her PhD in Evaluation from London South Bank University and has further academic credentials from Leeds University and the American University of Beirut.

Dr. Salma filled multiple roles with UNFPA and WHO in her extensive career with the UN, up to 17 years and served in several leadership positions such as Deputy Representative and Regional Advisor, contributing to health system advancements in several countries across Asia and Africa.