Maldives at UN: Time to abolish veto power, appoint female secretary general

Maldivian Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef has called for the abolition of the veto power in the United Nations Security Council and emphasized the time has come for a woman to serve as Secretary-General, the highest-ranking position within the organization.

The Vice President made the remarks while delivering the Maldives’ national statement at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, currently being held in New York, United States. During his address, he strongly called for reforms to the international system and greater equality among nations.

Emphasizing the urgent need to reform the UN’s most powerful body, the Security Council, the Vice President said that the international community cannot address today’s global challenges through a system designed for a bygone era. He stressed the importance of expanding the council in both its permanent and non-permanent categories.

"The Security Council cannot reflect the world of 1945 while deciding for the world of today. It must be expanded in both permanent and non-permanent categories. SIDS must have a rotating seat. Africa must receive the representation long denied to it. And the veto must be abolished.”

The Vice President also highlighted the importance of greater female representation at the highest level of UN leadership. While expressing appreciation to outgoing Secretary-General António Guterres for his decade of service, he called for a woman to be appointed as his successor.

"For more than eight decades, every Secretary-General has been a man. It is time for a woman to lead this Organization. A leader who will defend the Charter, without exception. Who can turn reform into delivery. And who will listen to all Member States, including the smallest."

Advocating for the interests of small island nations, the Vice President stressed that representation is significant because those present at the decision-making table have an influence on the international agenda. He emphasized that small States must be "decision-makers, not decision-takers."

In this regard, he announced that the Maldives is seeking election to the UN Economic and Social Council for the 2027–2029 term, the Human Rights Council for the 2028–2030 term, and a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2033–2034 term, and called on all member states to support the Maldives’ candidacies