Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Abdulla Khaleel on Monday emphasised the need to strengthen institutional frameworks to eliminate gender bias in recruitment and leadership.
The Maldives co-hosted a High-Level side event alongside Slovenia, Morocco, Spain, Thailand, UN Women and the Universal Rights Group entitled “Implementing Foreign Policy Goals with a Human Rights Lens: Advancing Equality through Multilateralism” on the margins of the 58th Session of the Human Rights Council.
The event brought together high-level officials and experts for a panel discussion on the role of women in multilateralism. The dialogue focused on strengthening women's participation and leadership in addressing pressing global challenges, including threats to peace, sustainable development, and human rights.
Speaking as a panelist of the event, Minister Dr Khaleel underscored the commitment of the Maldives to fostering a more inclusive diplomatic landscape.
He particularly highlighted the achievements of the Maldivian Foreign Service in promoting gender parity, including the historic appointment of the first female Foreign Secretary.
“The Maldives has always believed in a multilateral system that is inclusive, representative, and responsive to the needs of all,” he said.
He also reflected on the key role played by the Maldives in leading the United Nations General Assembly resolution establishing 24 June as the International Day of Women in Diplomacy.
Minister Dr Khaleel emphasised the need to strengthen institutional frameworks to eliminate gender bias in recruitment and leadership.
He highlighted the importance of building robust mentorship and leadership programs to empower women in diplomacy.
The Minister also called on multilateral organisations to lead by example, urging the appointment of the first-ever female UN Secretary-General as a significant step toward greater gender equality in global governance.
The Maldives remains committed to gender equality and inclusive diplomacy, on the recognition that true multilateral progress depends on ensuring all voices are heard and all individuals have equal opportunities to lead, he said.