President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated that the Maldives will always remain steadfast in advocating for equal opportunities for both small and large nations within the United Nations (UN), and in championing the rights of small island developing states in the international arena.

In a message sent by the President tonight on the occasion of the 61st anniversary of the Maldives becoming a member of the UN, he stated that the Maldives will work strenuously to bring necessary reforms to the UN system and ensure the equal participation of all nations in the organization's decisions.

The President stated that the Maldives will take the lead in raising its voice, particularly to overcome climate change, find sustainable solutions to debt issues, and arrange easier access to financial assistance required by small nations.

The Maldives has been a full member of the UN since September 21, 1965.

Highlighting the vital role played by the UN in the Maldives' development journey over the past 61 years, the President stated that the organization's cooperation is also indispensable in making the government's vision of turning the Maldives into a developed nation by 2040 a reality.

Furthermore, noting that the Maldives' role in the international arena is currently expanding, the President stated that the Maldives has previously served as Vice President of the UN General Assembly and the Human Rights Council.

He also noted that the Maldives will serve as a member of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) and ECOSOC in the future, and that the country is actively working to bid for seats on the Human Rights Council and the Security Council.

The President concluded by stating that although the Maldives joined the UN in 1965 to gain international recognition as a sovereign state, today the Maldives is fully prepared to shoulder greater responsibilities and duties in the international arena.