In a historic address to the United Nations Security Council, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu called for significant reforms to the Council’s structure, including the abolition of the veto power held by permanent members.

This marked the first time a Maldivian President has addressed the Security Council in the 59 years since the Maldives joined the UN.

President Dr Muizzu underscored the Council's crucial responsibility in maintaining global peace and security, while also addressing the growing global mistrust in its effectiveness and transparency. He argued that the Council’s declining credibility stems from its unequal representation and lack of accountability. To address this, the President proposed the establishment of a new intergovernmental process with text-based negotiations to push for reform, reiterating the Maldives' call for a permanent rotating seat for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

On the issue of ongoing conflicts, President Dr Muizzu condemned what he described as a "genocide unfolding under the nose of a Security Council unwilling to uphold international law." He criticized the veto power as an obstacle to effective decision-making, specifically noting that it had prevented the Council from stopping what he termed Israel's genocidal war in Palestine. He argued that the veto allowed Israel to continue its occupation and massacre civilians with impunity.

To address these shortcomings, the President proposed the creation of a mechanism to enable real-time, innovative solutions from the international community. He also highlighted the importance of tackling non-traditional security threats, including technological misuse, urging the Council to be more adaptive and responsive to the needs of the people it serves.

President Dr Muizzu concluded by reminding the Council of its founding principles, emphasizing that the current global order, built on justice, is now crumbling under the weight of civilian, aid worker, UN staff, and journalist casualties. His address underscored the urgent need for reform within the UN Security Council to ensure it can effectively respond to modern global challenges.

The President’s remarks were delivered at the United Nations Security Council High-Level Open Debate on “Leadership for Peace: United in Respect of the UN Charter, in Search of a Secure Future,” held at the UN Headquarters in New York.