FM Shahid calls for greater global attention to small states’ challenges

Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid has called on the international community to pay greater attention to the challenges faced by small states on Friday.

Minister Shahid, whilst delivering a keynoted address on ‘Economic Recovery and Challenges faced by Small States’ at the Berlin Economic Forum 2023 stressed that small states are among the worst affected by the current global economic crisis.

He also shared three recommendations of action that the international community could adopt to address the challenges of small states;

•         Assisting small states by providing targeted solutions to existing problems, including climate change
•         Becoming more innovative with alternative measures. On the notes, he called for international financial institutions to consider an alternative to GDP when considering concessional financing in addition to the finalization of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) and its implementation
•         Listen to states to find solutions for collective problems. He particularly emphasized the need for the voices of small states need to be heard in the international financial system

Minister Shahid concluded his keynote by underscoring the need for better collaboration to create a multilateral system that is more equitable, just and fair.

Berlin Economic Forum, organized by Academy for Cultural Diplomacy, was held on the margins of Berlin International Tourism Trade Fair which took place from March 6^th to March 10^th.

Minister Shahid is presently in Berlin Germany, accompanying President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on an official visit.