The Republic of Maldives has been elected to serve as one of the Vice Presidents for the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), scheduled to run from September 2025 to September 2026. The election, held on 2 June 2025 at the UN Headquarters in New York, selected the Maldives along with Bangladesh, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Timor-Leste to represent the Asia-Pacific Group, which holds five of the 21 Vice Presidential slots allotted for each UNGA session.
This achievement holds special meaning for the Maldives, as it coincides with the 60th anniversary of the country’s membership in the United Nations. The Maldives officially joined the UN on 21 September 1965, and the milestone will be commemorated during the very session in which the country now assumes this leadership role.
The 21 Vice Presidents of the General Assembly are elected in accordance with regional groupings: six from African States, five from Asia-Pacific States, two from Latin American and Caribbean States, two from Western European and Other States, one from Eastern European States, and the five Permanent Members of the Security Council, China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The Vice Presidents assist the President of the General Assembly and assume full responsibilities in the President’s absence or if otherwise unable to perform their duties.
In his official message shared via social media, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu expressed appreciation for the international community’s trust in the Maldives and reaffirmed the country’s dedication to global cooperation. He stated that the Maldives looks forward to working constructively with all partners to support the success of the upcoming session. The President also emphasized the symbolic significance of this appointment as the country prepares to celebrate six decades of its active presence in the UN.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted that the Vice Presidency allows the Maldives to preside over plenary meetings of the General Assembly and will deepen the country’s diplomatic experience and leadership profile at the UN. The Ministry noted that this role reinforces the position of small island developing states as capable contributors to global governance.
Importantly, the Foreign Ministry confirmed that the Maldives’ successful bid incurred no financial costs to the state. It also marks the third international electoral win for the country since the current administration took office, reflecting a consistent and strategic approach to global diplomacy.
This Vice Presidency aligns with the Maldives’ broader foreign policy objectives to actively engage in multilateral forums and advocate for the unique perspectives and challenges of island nations. It also adds to the growing list of South Asian countries that have previously served in this capacity, including India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.
With its new role at the 80th UNGA session, the Maldives continues to enhance its diplomatic credentials and solidify its standing as a responsible and constructive member of the international community.
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