New York, 20 September 2022 (TDI): The former President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Abdulla Shahid attended the UNGA 77 Session currently taking place.

Role of Women in UN

In a recent interview with Forbes, the Maldivian politician and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives, Abdulla Shahid highlighted the role of women in UNGA. During his conversation, he also reflected on his term as the President of UNGA.

The Former President criticized that even after 70 years, the UN has never elected a woman as secretary-general. He pointed out that in 2016 too, 7 women ran to be the next secretary-general, but member-states ultimately elected Portugal’s António Guterres.

The Maldivian Minister explained that this is one of the things he noticed during his tenure. Women leaders are vastly underrepresented during the General Assembly.

Consequently, he said that it is time we all get together and get a woman as the Secretary-General. He said that there are so many qualified women around the world who can perfectly fill in the role. Additionally, it would represent the UN’s role to enhance inclusivity and empower women.

Climate Agenda

On the sidelines of UNGA77, Carnegie Endowment organized a conference namely an Indo-Pacific Islands Dialogue. Leaders of smaller island states expanded the definition of security in the region to emphasize the urgency of the climate crisis.

The Maldivian Minister, Abdulla Shahid also highlighted working together against climate change. He said it is a matter connected to survival.

On the occasion, he highlighted that the Maldives has been at the forefront of setting up the alliance of small island states since 1989. He said it is important because island states stand at the heart of the Indian Ocean.

Correspondingly, he said that for the body to survive it needs the heart to be strong and have peace, stability, and good health. The Minister also emphasized the importance of multilateralism. He also spoke about the inequities inherent in global financial architecture.

Minister Abdulla noted that smaller island states had to go through the same process as other big emitters in accessing finance and support. He emphasized that these small island states should work together to save themselves. This is because large emitters are embarking on the path to suicide and have no interest in saving the world.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in its 6 assessment report observed an increase in warming, ocean acidification, marine heat waves, and a rise in sea levels and storm surges in island states.

The report flagged that smaller islands will face more intense tropical cyclones. It reported that in the western Indian Ocean, rainfall will decrease while in the western tropical Pacific, heavy rainfall events will increase.

Also Read: Csaba Körösi appointed President of 77th UNGA session

UNGA 77

The 77th session of UNGA opened on September 13, 2022. It was decided that Csaba Kőrösi of Hungary will take on the seat of the President of UNGA 77.

High-level week and Meetings under UNGA 77 commenced on 19 September and will last till 23rd September. During this period, discussions will take place to combat global health and food security. Additionally, the UN’s future, as well as reforms for peace and security, will also be discussed.

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