UN General Assembly
2021

It is my distinguished honour and pleasure on my own behalf and that of my 8 million plus people and Government, to join other global leaders in addressing the General Assembly today I also take this time to extend our condolences to families in the countries represented here, my own included, that have lost someone owing to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and our get-well wishes to those who are sick. I also pay tribute to the global frontline workers and service personnel who have toiled over and beyond the call of duty to care for those who are sick and vulnerable, expressly our medical workers. As this is my first attendance at this global forum, I am greatly humbled and warmly congratulate you, Mr. President, and the Government and the people of Maldives on your mandate, particularly as a small island developing State, to lead our collective work this session.