Speaking during the the General Debate of the Sixty-Seventh Session of the United Nations General Assembly, the President said that the assistance of international partners is needed to ensure a better, more democratic society in small States, in a way that It is designed to build a country’s institutions and to gain public confidence. During his statement President Waheed further said nations must be allowed to resolve their problems on their own, while the international community should not take punitive actions against any sovereign State, unless there is verified and blatant abuse of human rights. "Yet, I believe that international cooperation can and should promote positive change in emerging democracies. I believe that international organisations, such as the United Nations, can play a pivotal role in strengthening democratic institutions in these nations. I believe that some of the advanced democracies can help the small states with technical expertise in consolidating democracy," President explained. President also stressed on the importance of reviewing the current approaches and modalities in extending international cooperation for democracy promotion. It is important that international cooperation is not to be seen to be promoting a particular ideology, he added. "It should not be seen to be taking sides in domestic politics," he said. He assured that his government is committed to creating an environment that guarantees individual freedom; where human rights are fully protected; where democratic values flourish; and where human innovation thrives. President Waheed in his statement had also condemned the major violations of human rights and democracy throughout the world. On that note he strongly condemned the recent anti-Islam flim made in the US demeaning Holy Prophet. "Freedom of expression should not be used as an excuse to insult religion, incite hatred and provoke communal violence. While the video has provoked demonstrations around the world, the Maldives does not believe that violence is the way to respond to such low-level blasphemous acts," he detailed. "The Maldives has also condemned the attacks on the United States Consulate in Benghazi, which took the life of the United States Ambassador to Libya. On behalf of the Maldivian people I express my deepest condolences to the United States Government and the families of the bereaved." President further condemned the violence and human rights violations in Syria and urged the Syrian security forces and anti-government armed groups to immediately cease all hostilities and violence. He also welcomed the latest findings of the UN Commission of Inquiry on the human rights situation in Syria. While referring to Palestine, he conveyed the wishes of the Maldivian people to see the day that the Palestinian people will join the United Nations as a full member. To that end, President Waheed called on all Member States to support the true aspirations of the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination in a Palestinian State. Noting that Climate change remains the most important and complex developmental challenge that small states face, President Waheed highlighted the Sustainable Development Goals agreed among world leaders. “We believe that these goals would further strengthen social, economic, and the environmental well-being of nations. The 2015 development agenda should be one that recognises the particular characteristics and needs of small states. It should support the creation of a stronger international architecture to achieve a sustainable future for all”, said the President. The President further reiterated the Maldives’ call for a binding agreement immediately, to reduce global carbon emissions. The President also called upon the carbon emitting countries to develop and utilise clean and renewable energy to reduce their carbon footprint.