The Maldives has called for reforms to the United Nations, including the removal of the veto power held by permanent members of the Security Council and greater opportunities for small states to participate in decision-making.

Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef made the remarks while delivering the Maldives’ statement at the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

He said confidence in the UN could only be restored by modernising its structures and ensuring greater fairness, noting that the Security Council cannot continue to reflect the geopolitical realities of 1945 while addressing today’s global challenges.

The Vice President called for expanded permanent and non-permanent membership of the Security Council, including greater representation for small island states and Africa. He stressed that representation must be meaningful and that small states should have a role in decisions that affect them.

The Vice President also said international law must apply equally to all states, regardless of their power or political alliances. He said the Maldives will continue to seek membership of various UN bodies, with the aim of ensuring that small states have a role in decision-making rather than merely being subject to decisions made by others.

He stressed that UN reforms should go beyond changes on paper and result in practical improvements. The Vice President also reaffirmed the Maldives’ support for the election of a woman as the next UN Secretary-General, describing it as an important step in the organisation’s history.