The Maldives has been elected to serve as Vice President of the United Nations General Assembly for its 80th Session.

The 80th Session of the UNGA will convene from September 2025 to September 2026.

At the election held in New York on Monday, the Maldives, along with Bangladesh, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and Timor-Leste were elected for the five seats available to the Asia-Pacific Group for the 80th UNGA session.

Vice Presidents of the UN General Assembly are mandated to perform the duties of the President of the General Assembly (PGA) in the event of the PGA’s absence or incapacity. During such times, they exercise the same powers and responsibilities as the PGA, while remaining under the authority of the General Assembly. Each session sees the election of 21 Vice Presidents, selected to ensure regional representation: six from African States, five from Asia-Pacific States, two from Latin American and Caribbean States, two from Western European and Other States, one from Eastern European States, and the five Permanent Members of the UN Security Council, the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, and France.

The election is especially significant for the Maldives, as it coincides with the anniversary of 60 years of Maldives membership to the United Nations, which will be celebrated on 21 September 2025.

Previously, former Maldivian Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid won the election to become the President of the 76th UN General Assembly.

In its role as Vice President of the UN General Assembly, the Maldives will preside over plenary sessions and further enhance its leadership profile within the United Nations.