Maldives Calls on the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) To Address Shared Global Challenges

On Thursday, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Khaleel delivered remarks at the Ministerial Meeting of the Coordinating Bureau of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) held in Baku, Azerbaijan. During his remarks, State Minister Khaleel acknowledged the strong commitment and efforts of Azerbaijan as the outgoing Chair of NAM. He noted that the country played a crucial role in the achievements of NAM, particularly during the height of the pandemic.

State Minister Khaleel also welcomed Uganda as the next chair of NAM and expressed the Maldives’ confidence in their leadership and capability to drive the works of NAM. Highlighting the significant contribution of NAM to safeguard prosperity and peace, he stressed the need to strengthen cooperation and collaboration in order to address shared challenges. On this note, State Minister Khaleel stated that Small Island Developing States like the Maldives are increasingly vulnerable to challenges such as climate change and food security.

The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) was founded in 1961 as a grouping of 120 countries that are not aligned with, or against any major power blocs. Following the end of the Cold War in 1991, it broadened its mandate to focus on emerging non-traditional challenges. The Maldives became a member of this organization in 1976.