The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives, Dr Abdulla Khaleel, has underscored the need for dialogue that is practical, inclusive and firmly grounded in human dignity, during his intervention at the 11th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations (UNAOC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Addressing a high-level audience of political leaders, international organisations, and civil society representatives, Dr Khaleel stressed that for countries like the Maldives, dialogue is not merely a diplomatic formality but an essential instrument for resilience, national identity, security and long-term continuity.
Dr Khaleel highlighted that climate-induced risks present a complex and layered threat for small island developing states. He noted that such risks do not only endanger physical territory and coastlines, but also cultural inheritance, community cohesion and the social fabric that sustains nations heavily reliant on sectors such as tourism. He emphasised that safeguarding vulnerable environments and societies requires conversations that translate quickly into action, partnerships and support mechanisms, especially for nations whose economies and livelihoods are closely interconnected with a stable climate and peaceful global environment.
The Minister also drew attention to the growing challenge of misinformation in the digital age. He cautioned that the online space has become a powerful arena where misunderstanding and hostility can be generated at speed and scale, with consequences that reach far beyond virtual platforms. Dr Khaleel urged the international community to recognise that unmanaged digital narratives can deepen divides between societies and cultures, and he called for strengthened cooperation to build digital literacy, promote responsible communication, and protect pluralism and mutual respect in the online sphere.
Reiterating the Maldives’ commitment to multilateral engagement, Dr Khaleel called on international partners to reinforce their collective capacity to anticipate and address emerging global divides environmental, social and digital. He stressed that the shared responsibility of states and institutions must be to ensure that diversity becomes a source of stability and strength rather than a trigger for tension. His intervention aligned closely with the focus of the 11th UNAOC Global Forum, which is examining the drivers of polarisation between societies and cultures, the erosion of trust in global governance and multilateral cooperation, and the pathways to rebuilding confidence and preventing new fault lines from emerging.
On the margins of the forum, Dr Khaleel held several key bilateral meetings that further underscored the Maldives’ emphasis on constructive engagement. He met with Sheikh Dr Mohammed Al-Issa, Secretary General of the Muslim World League, to discuss strengthening dialogue and expanding avenues of cooperation, particularly in areas where faith-based engagement and intercultural understanding can support global peace and development. The Minister also met Herbert Scheibner, Special Envoy for the Alliance of Civilizations and former Austrian Defence Minister, where they exchanged views on enhancing multilateral cooperation and deepening bilateral ties between the Maldives and Austria. These engagements highlighted the Maldives’ intent to leverage platforms like the UNAOC to build partnerships that support both domestic priorities and broader international stability.
Established in 2005, the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations has evolved into a leading global platform for promoting mutual respect among cultures, countering polarisation and advancing inclusive dialogue. Its Group of Friends now includes 161 members, comprising 131 UN Member States, one non-member state and 29 international organisations representing all regions and societies. The participation of the Maldives at ministerial level at the 11th Global Forum in Riyadh signals the country’s ongoing commitment to championing dialogue, defending human dignity and working with partners to ensure that diversity and coexistence remain at the centre of the global agenda.
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