With the conclusion of the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has returned back to the Maldives this morning.

Not only was the visit President Ibrahim Solih’s first to the UNGA, but it was also the first by any Maldivian Head of State in seven years. His presence at the UNGA was a powerful reaffirmation of the end of the Maldives’ brief period of self-imposed isolationism; a symbolic gesture that the revival of the democracy at home announces a clear commitment to an open and engaged foreign policy abroad.

The President also made announcements on the world stage that further asserted the nation’s commitment to several pressing global issues and brought the Maldives to the forefront of international discussion, such as the ambitious plan to phase out single-use plastics by the year 2023 and the exceptionally well-received Maldives’ ‘Climate Smart Resilient Island’ initiative.

At his maiden address at this year’s General Debate, the President clearly articulated the Maldives’ foreign policy priorities and expectations of the international community. He reiterated the Maldives’ commitment to multilateral engagement and broadening the scope of international friendships; the resolve to win the fight against terrorism; and the keenness to work with neighbors in the Indian Ocean towards greater regional integration.

He noted the Maldives’ democratic revival with pride and called on his peers to fulfil their responsibilities to effectively meet the pressing issues of our times: from ensuring peace in the Levant, in line with the Maldives’ longstanding commitment to the Palestinian cause, to taking urgent action on behalf of the Climate.

Reaffirming the role of the Maldives as a global environmental champion, the President outlined several initiatives by his administration to lead by example. In light of the environmental and human security risks posed by increasing plastic waste, the President announced at the general debate statement that the Maldives aims to nationally eliminate single-use plastic by the year 2023.

And he announced in New York City the commencement of a formal partnership between the Maldives’ Government and Parley for the Oceans, an organization singularly dedicated to the battle against plastics.

Marking a successful conclusion to his first visit, the President’s actions and statements in New York made clear that the Maldives wants to be a part of preserving that order, putting our best foot forward in the international arena as we implement an evolving domestic agenda at home.