Minister Abdulla Shahid Awarded with Grand Cross of Order of Antonio Jose De Irisarri

The Grand Cross of the Order of Antonio Jose de Irisarri has been awarded to the Maldivian Foreign Minister, Abdulla Shahid, by the Guatemalan government for serving as the President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Dr Shahid received the recognition during a ceremony on Saturday in Guatemala City.
 
Minister Shahid received the honor in recognition of his work as a diplomat and as President of the UNGA, which included his efforts to advance sustainable development to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as his defense of human rights, advancement of gender equality, creation of opportunities for young people, and advocacy for the environment during his "Presidency of Hope."
 
In 1973, Guatemala created the Order of Antonio Jose de Irisarri to recognize statesmen. The award was established in Antonio’s honor who himself was a well-known statesman and author from Guatemala. Minister Shahid left on Wednesday for Guatemala in which during his visit, he had meetings with the president, several ministers, and other top government representatives from the country. In addition, he has met with the leaders of 23 different UN organizations with operations in the nation.
 
In his remarks made accepting the honor, Minister Shahid committed to further working together with the country. “I am profoundly grateful and humbled by this award, the Grand Cross of the Orden de Antonio Jose de Irisarri. It has been a privilege and an honor for me and my country, the Maldives, to serve the United Nations, the pinnacle of multilateral cooperation. And it has been a great privilege to work with the Government of Guatemala, whose contributions to multilateral work, particularly in peacekeeping, have been truly outstanding.”
 
“It is my hope that Guatemala will continue its unwavering support for multilateralism, and for the United Nations’ ideals of peace and prosperity. Beyond the Presidency, I continue to commit to working towards these obligations: To bring together the best of humanity, to offer the best solutions, and to present a unifying message. On this happy occasion, let us be reminded that we can all be instruments of peace: We are nations united with a greater purpose. We are ready for greater collaboration and solidarity. We are united for collaborative action to achieve a United Nations 2.0. Once again, please accept my deepest appreciation for this incredible honor. Les agradezco desde el fondo de mi corazón- I thank you from the bottom of my heart.” Concluded Minister Shahid.