VP wraps up UNGA 81 visit with strong calls for sovereignty, climate justice and UN reform

Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef has concluded his official visit to New York, where he attended the High-Level Week of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

During the visit, he took part in multiple UNGA engagements and highlighted the Maldives’ priorities on just global governance, climate resilience, and safeguarding the independence and sovereignty of small island nations.

Delivering the national statement during the General Debate, the Vice President stressed that every country has the fundamental right to shape its own future. He also highlighted the evolving security challenges facing small states and linked these goals to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s vision to make the Maldives a developed nation by 2040.

He reiterated the Maldives’ call for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. He also advocated for comprehensive UN reform, including a rotating Security Council seat for Small Island Developing States.

Addressing the high-level plenary meeting on sea-level rise, the Vice President underscored the existential threat posed by climate change. He said the Maldives’ response to rising seas is resilience, not retreat, and urged the international community to provide scalable, grant-based adaptation support.

To further strengthen international partnerships, the Vice President held discussions with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. He also addressed the China-hosted Global Development Initiative.

Through these engagements, the Vice President ensured that the Maldives’ diplomatic and development priorities remained visible on the international agenda.