United Nations Day 2025 Speech delivered by UN Resident Coordinator in the Maldives, Mr. Hao Zhang

This year is not just any United Nations Day. It is a historic milestone for the Maldives: 60 years of membership in the United Nations.

Excellency Hon. Dr. Abdulla khaleel, Minister of Foreign Affairs,

Excellency Hon. Mr. Thoriq Ibraa-him, Minister of Tourism and Environment,

Excellency Hon. Dr. Ali Haidar Ah-med, Minister of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development,

Esteemed Ambassadors and fellow Diplomatic Community,

Distinguished Guests from the Government of Maldives, Civil Society Organizations, Academia and partner organisations,

My United Nations family,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Asslam Alaikum and Good evening.

It is with great pride that I stand before here today to celebrate United Nations Day 2025. A day that honours the enduring promise of peace, dignity, and cooperation among nations.

This year is not just any United Nations Day. It is a historic milestone for the Maldives: 60 years of membership in the United Nations. On 21 September 1965, the Maldives joined the UN as a young, newly independent nation. Today, six decades later, it stands tall as a global voice for Small Island Developing States, a champion of climate action, resilience and innovation.

Let us take a moment to reflect on this extraordinary journey.

The Maldives' development journey stands as a remarkable success story. From being among the world's 20 poorest nations at the time of independence, it has risen to hold the highest per capita income in South Asia and is now classified as an upper middle-income country. In just five decades, the average Maldivian's life expectancy has increased by more than 30 years. The country has achieved 100% literacy and universal health coverage, with many development indicators well before the Millennium Declaration. Today, the Maldives continues to advance toward a more inclusive and resilient democracy, where its people enjoy fundamental rights and freedoms.

Over the past six decades, the Maldives has not only benefited from the support of the United Nations-it has actively contributed to shape its direction globally. From the Presidency and Vice Presidency of the United Nations General Assembly to serving multiple terms on the Human Rights Council and securing membership in the Commission on the Status of Women from 2026 to 2030 and co-founding of AOSIS (Alliance of Small Island States), the Maldives has consistently demonstrated leadership.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Over the past 60 years, the United Nations and the Maldives have established a strong partnership rooted in shared values and mutual goals. Together, we have built schools and hospitals, improved access to clean water and sanitation, strengthened health systems, and promoted well-being for all. The UN has supported the Maldives in advancing good governance, climate adaptation, and environmental protection, while empowering communities and promoting gender equality. We have worked to enhance economic growth, improve livelihoods, and expand access to essential services across the islands. Side by side, we achieved the Millennium Development Goals and continue to collaborate on the Sustainable Development Goals-ensuring that no one is left behind.

This partnership is not just about projects-it is about the people. It's about the child that not only grows but thrives. It is about the young Maldivian innovator who dreams of a greener future. The civil society leader who fights for inclusion. The government official who crafts policy on equitable development. The migrant youth who drives the economic engine of this society. The woman in the informal economy whose contribution is calculated in the national accounts. The person with disabilities who is recognized as an agent of change and resilience. The older person who carries the legacy of values we must uphold and pass on. I hope that the photo gallery at the end of this reception gives you a brief but meaningful look into this shared development journey along with the digital video of the eight decades of United Nations.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As we commemorate 80 years of the United Nations and 60 years of the Maldives' membership, we are reminded of the strength of multilateralism-the conviction that we are stronger together. The UN Charter continues to guide global efforts toward peace, justice, and equality. Over the past eight decades, the world has witnessed remarkable progress, yet persistent challenges remain-from conflict and crises to the growing threat of climate change. At its core, the UN Charter reaffirms the commitment to uplift the poorest and most vulnerable, championing social justice and global peace for all.

I take this opportunity to recognize the vital contributions of UN Member States represented here in the Maldives including-Australia, Bangladesh, China, India, Japan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, the United States of America, United Kingdom and of course, the Maldives -for their continued leadership and engagement in advancing the UN's mission yesterday, today and in the future. The United Nations stands ready to walk this path with Maldives and the development partners and stakeholders through our United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Lastly but very importantly, I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to all UN staff - both current and past. It is your tireless dedication and unwavering commitment that continue to drive the development agenda forward. Thanks to your hard work, the United Nations is recognized as a trusted and valued development partner in the Maldives. I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to the UN entities supporting the Maldives.

Firstly the resident UN agencies, namely - United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), International Organization for Migration (IOM), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), World Bank (WB) and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

And the Non-Resident UN agencies, namely - International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), International Labour Organization (ILO), United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).

Together, we amplify our collective voice and reaffirm our shared commitment to supporting the country's development journey. Every staff member-past and present-should take pride in the collective contributions that have helped improve the quality of life for all Maldivians. On behalf of all of us, I sincerely thank you for your service.

In conclusion, I would like to state that, today is more than a celebration-it is a tribute to courage, a call to action, and a renewal of hope. Let us envision and build a future where every Maldivian child not only survives but thrives; where every island is safeguarded for generations to come; and where every voice-no matter how small-is heard and valued. To the Government of Maldives, our partners in civil society, the diplomatic community, and the people of this beautiful nation-thank you.

For your trust, your leadership, and your steadfast commitment to the values and vision of the United Nations.

Shukuriyya!!