The Republic of Maldives has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to multilateralism and global cooperation through its active participation in the 19th Midterm Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), held in Kampala, Uganda. Representing the Maldives, Ambassador-at-Large Dr. Mohamed Fahmy Hassan delivered the national statement at the meeting, which convened foreign ministers and high-level delegates from 121 NAM member countries.
The summit was chaired by Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, General Jeje Odongo Abubakhar, and served as a vital platform for member states to strategize on strengthening cooperation across political, economic, and security spheres. As global challenges grow increasingly complex, discussions at the meeting focused on how NAM can evolve to remain relevant and responsive to today’s pressing issues.
During his address, Dr. Fahmy extended warm congratulations to the Government of Uganda for hosting the meeting and for its continued leadership in advancing the movement’s objectives. He highlighted that today’s shifting geopolitical landscape demands a united and proactive stance from NAM nations, especially in advocating for justice, equity, and sustainable development.
Dr. Fahmy outlined three major areas where NAM must increase its collective influence. First, he stressed the urgent need to strengthen joint action against non-traditional security threats, which include climate change, pandemics, and cyber risks, challenges that transcend borders and require unified responses. Second, he urged member states to prioritize innovation and technology-driven solutions for inclusive and sustainable development, particularly for small island developing states like the Maldives that are highly vulnerable to climate change. Third, he called for reform in the architecture of global governance, including long-overdue changes to the composition of the United Nations Security Council to ensure broader representation and accountability.
The Maldives also welcomed the recent breakthrough in efforts to de-escalate violence in Gaza, specifically the agreed terms for initiating the first phase of a proposed ceasefire. Dr. Fahmy commended the constructive role played by NAM member countries in facilitating this outcome and called on Israel to uphold the commitments made under the agreement. He reiterated the Maldives’ steadfast readiness to contribute to any credible effort toward achieving a lasting peace in the region.
The Non-Aligned Movement, established in 1961 during the Cold War, originally brought together countries that chose not to align themselves with any major power bloc. Over the decades, it has evolved into a global coalition addressing new and emerging challenges, from economic disparity to digital governance. The Maldives joined NAM in 1976 and has since actively participated in its forums, using the platform to voice the concerns of small island developing nations and advocate for equitable global policies.
As the world navigates a period of profound change and uncertainty, the Maldives’ strong engagement at the ministerial level underscores its growing voice in international diplomacy and its role in shaping constructive outcomes through collective engagement. Events such as the NAM Midterm Ministerial Meeting provide an essential opportunity for countries like the Maldives to promote their values of peace, cooperation, and resilience on the world stage.
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