By New York, September 2024: In an electrifying address at the General Debate of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu delivered a powerful, unsparing speech that left a lasting impact on world leaders. His remarks focused on the precarious state of humanity, global crises, and his ambitious vision for the future of the Maldives.
Beginning with a somber yet candid tone, President Muizzu declared, “Humanity is in deep trouble, facing an ever-growing list of crises… but we look the other way, continuing with business as usual while alarms are ringing.” Holding up a world map, he revealed that no country was immune to the red ink of global crisis, boldly stating, “We are all deep in the red.”
President Muizzu’s stark remarks challenged the international community to act decisively, urging for unity and reform: “We need nations united in harmony, not United Nations in misery,” he declared, capturing the room’s attention.
A Transformational Vision for the Maldives
However, it was his vision for the Maldives’ future that truly stole the show. With unwavering confidence, Muizzu set the bar high for his nation, announcing that by 2040, he aims to transform the Maldives into a fully developed country. His roadmap includes an economy driven by artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and sustainable development. “Becoming a developed nation may seem daunting, but with a goal in sight and a plan in hand, it is achievable,” Muizzu said with conviction.
President Muizzu also revealed plans to make the Maldives’ digital economy contribute up to 15% of the country’s GDP by 2030, powered by investments in ICT infrastructure, AI-driven services, and smart city innovations. This includes leveraging AI for healthcare, education, and even environmental monitoring.
“Prevailing against formidable odds is nothing new for the Maldivians,” he asserted, reflecting on the nation’s rise from poverty in 1965 to its current upper-middle-income status.
Tackling Global Issues
In his speech, President Muizzu did not shy away from addressing global issues, including climate change, the Gaza conflict, and the need for UN reform. He condemned the ongoing violence in Gaza, labeling it a “travesty of justice and the international system,” and called for Israel to be held accountable for its actions.
Muizzu also emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change, urging developed nations to fulfill their financial commitments to mitigate the crisis. He proudly announced that the Maldives aims to produce 33% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2028.
Leading the Charge for Global Reform
Concluding his address with a strong call for UN reform, President Muizzu announced the Maldives’ candidacy for a seat on the Economic and Social Council for the 2027-2029 term. His ambition is clear: to recalibrate the UN to make it more relevant to the challenges of the modern world.
“The United Nations must enforce its decisions across the system and at the local level. It is only relevant when it makes a real difference in our lives,” he said, positioning the Maldives as a driving force for change.
A Leader to Watch
President Muizzu’s speech electrified the global stage, marking him as a bold leader with a clear vision for his nation’s future and a keen understanding of the global landscape. His mix of pragmatism and idealism resonated deeply, positioning the Maldives as a significant player on the international stage.
As the world looks toward the future, Muizzu’s address at UNGA 79 may very well be remembered as a turning point—not only for the Maldives but for the global dialogue on unity, sustainability, and development.