President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu delivered a powerful address at the Plenary of the Summit of the Future, urging world leaders to move beyond rhetoric and take decisive action to address global challenges. Held on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, the Summit brought together global leaders to discuss key issues and build a collective vision for a sustainable and equitable future.
In his speech, President Muizzu highlighted the need for the United Nations and the global multilateral system to deliver tangible results. He emphasized that decades of vision crafting at the UN often remain unrealized, calling for concrete actions to ensure that multilateralism becomes a “lived reality” rather than a distant concept.
Focusing on three main areas, President Muizzu laid out his proposals for addressing the most pressing challenges facing the international community.
Empowering Youth
The first priority highlighted by President Muizzu was the empowerment of young people. He stressed that young generations are shaping the world today and will lead it tomorrow. “The declarations and the pacts we craft must inspire and engage young people,” he stated. To achieve this, he underscored the importance of creating an enabling environment where youth can thrive.
In the Maldives, he pointed out, the government has established a Presidential Youth Advisory Board to elevate the role of young people in governance. Additionally, investments in digital infrastructure are being made to ensure that youth have access to the latest technologies, allowing them to seize opportunities and drive economic growth.
Addressing Climate Change
President Muizzu identified climate change as the most significant threat to both present and future generations. Citing the devastating impact of extreme weather events on Small Island Developing States (SIDS), including the Maldives, he emphasized that the world cannot afford to ignore the 1.5°C global temperature target.
“The Maldives is committed to achieving a net-zero, climate-resilient future,” he said, noting that the country is on track to meet 33% of its electricity demand from renewable sources by 2028. He called on other nations to fulfill their commitments on climate adaptation, mitigation, and ocean protection, warning that failing to do so would have dire consequences for vulnerable nations like the Maldives.
Financing for Development
The third pillar of President Muizzu’s speech focused on the need for sustainable financing to bridge the gap in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With an annual financing shortfall between $2.5 to $4 trillion globally, he argued that the current financial system is skewed against developing countries and must be reformed to serve all nations equitably.
“The system that was meant to balance scales has now become tilted,” Muizzu said, adding that adequate, predictable, and sustainable financing is essential for achieving development and climate goals. He reiterated the Maldives’ call for a financial system that listens to and works for everyone.
A Call for Courageous Leadership
President Muizzu concluded his speech with a call for global leaders to demonstrate the courage needed to confront critical issues, such as the war in Gaza and the recognition of Palestine as a full member of the United Nations. He urged the international community to hold human rights violators accountable and ensure that the UN is an institution that listens to and serves the people.
“As we leave this Summit, let us commit to fully implement the three Outcome Documents of this Summit,” he urged. “For the Maldives, and for every island, and for every soul dreaming of a better tomorrow, let us be the architects of that brighter future.”
This was the President’s first address at the Summit of the Future, a significant moment in his ongoing engagement with global leaders on key issues affecting the Maldives and other SIDS.
