President’s vision: To transform Maldives to a developed nation by 2040

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu states his vision is to transform Maldives to a developed nation by the 2040, when Maldives is set to celebrate 75 years since gaining independence.

The President conveyed his vision during the general debate at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) marking the first time he addressed at UNGA since assuming presidency.

In his address, President Muizzu emphasized that the ever-growing list of crises from conflict, poverty, hunger, climate, change, cost-of-living, migration, occupation to addiction have put humanity in a deeply troubled state despite which the world, looks the other way, “continuing with business as usual”.

“We need Nations United in harmony not a United Nations in misery,” he stressed.

He underscored that these were crucial times for the world and important years for the Maldives and in this trajectory, noted that Maldives, in 2040, will celebrate 75 years since regaining its independence.

Raising the question as to what Maldives can hope to achieve by that time and whether the world is ready to play its part in the journey, President Muizzu conveyed his vision for nation by 2040.

“Today, I am here at the United Nations, with a vision of where I want to take my country,” he said, detailing his wishes to see Maldives as a full-fledged developed nation by then.

“A nation that commands respect, is relevant, and one that embodies resilience. A society that is inclusive and just. A country that exemplifies sustainability and democratic governance,” he added.

Although it may not be an easy feat to achieve, the President stressed that with a comprehensive plan, it is not unachievable as prevailing and even flourishing against formidable odds, is nothing new for Maldivians.

“In 1965, when we regained our independence, we were among the poorest countries in the world. One-third of our population was illiterate. More than one out of every 10 babies were dying before their first birthday. We had no industries, barely any exports, and even fewer prospects. And in just five decades, we have reached upper middle-income status,” he detailed.

The President expressed his belief that Maldives can become a developed country which he cited can be achieved by investing in the country’s productive capacity and increasing its productivity, transforming the economy into one that is fully digitized and driven by artificial intelligence and leveraging the natural beauty and marine resources of the country.

The President’s address at UNGA79 also slammed the Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza which he described as “a travesty of justice and the international system”. 

He voiced out concerns about the UN’s failure to effectively address critical issues such as climate change, conflict, and inequality.

In this regard, he urged nations to come together for collaborative work on tackling climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss citing climate change as humanity's greatest threat thus requiring united action.