H.E. Ms. Thilmeeza Hussain, Ambassador, Permanent Mission of Maldives to the UN | Maldives
Her Excellency Ms. Thilmeeza Hussain is the Ambassador of the Maldives to the United Nations. Formerly, Ambassador Hussain was a key member of the Foreign Relations Committee (FRC) of the then main opposition party, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), where she lobbied to maintain close relations with the government of the United States and other agencies to garner support in the restoration of democracy in the country. Additionally, Ambassador Hussain championed the climate change and sustainable development agenda, where she was the lead negotiator for the Maldives, at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) and Co-chaired the Sustainable Development Working Group for the 48-members of Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS). Ambassador Hussain has a kinship for doing non-profit work for social good as she founded the Voice of Women in the Maldives and was an Advisory Council Member for Climate Wise Women, and Women’s Earth Climate Action Network to advocate for the cause.
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| Event Title: SDGs Conference 2023 | Date: Sept 20, 2023 |
SPEECH
The Role of Global Partnerships in Building a New Momentum Towards the SDGs<.strong>
As we embark on the last decade to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 agenda, it is important to acknowledge the contribution of freedom of expression, press freedom, and access to information for the achievement of sustainable development goals. Journalists` role in advancing the 2030 agenda is crucial. They have the power of the pen and the lens standing on the front lines of truth, justice, and accountability. They are the voices of the marginalized and the oppressed and serve as the watchdogs of society. Journalists have the power to hold governments, businesses, and organizations accountable. The role of journalists in bridging the gap between information and action is indispensable in building a more sustainable and equitable world.
Let us take a moment to reflect on the state of affairs unfolding around us. The poison of conflict and warfare continues to infect our world. Poverty, hunger, discrimination, and inequality continue to haunt us with Hurricane Lee, wildfires in Hawaii claiming more than a hundred lives, and uncertain high tide patterns affecting low-line islands. Like the Maldives, planet Earth is sounding the alarm of climate disaster and climate emergency. We are facing greater risks than ever before and we need bigger players to do their part. Climate journalism plays a vital role in driving this change. Climate journalists have been diligently uncovering the disparities between commitments and actual actions. Your reporting empowers the public fostering their ability to call for transparency, accountability, and substantive climate efforts from their leaders.
Despite being a relatively young democracy, the Maldives has embraced democratic values, including the promotion of freedom, including the promotion of press freedom. The current government has made significant progress in preserving democracy, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring freedom for journalists. Since taking office, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has been committed to advancing press freedom despite historically low rankings for media freedom in Asia, the Maldives rose by 48 positions in the World Press Freedom Index in 2021 which was just three years after he took office.
We must also acknowledge the progress toward SDGs has been uneven and in some areas disappointingly slow. We must build new momentum towards SDGs and this can be achieved through meaningful partnerships. Our partnerships must be inclusive, involving not only governments but also civil society, academia, youth, and the private sector. As the co-chair of the preparatory committee of the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS), set forth for the upcoming year, Maldives is committed to supporting these partnerships while formulating the next 10-year program of action for SIDS. We believe diverse perspectives and expertise are essential for innovative solutions.
Let us reaffirm our commitment to these goals. Let us foster partnerships that ignite a new momentum and let us leave a legacy of hope and progress for future generations.
