A prosperous, strong, and fiercely independent Maldives is important for the future order in the Indian Ocean – President Dr. Muizzu

President His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has emphasised the strategic significance of the Maldives in maintaining the balance of power in the Indian Ocean, and reaffirmed that a prosperous, independent Maldives is vital for Indian Ocean and broader global community.

Speaking at the ‘Deans Leadership Series’ of Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs, the President highlighted the nation’s rapid transformation, asserting that the Maldives is a development success story. He reiterated his commitment to transforming the country into an inclusive and prosperous society, step up advocacy to take action on climate crisis, and to reform the international financial architecture.

President Dr. Muizzu highlighted the Maldives’ leadership and advocacy for urgent global action to prevent a climate disaster. He reaffirmed the nation’s dedication to environmental conservation and raising awareness about climate change. The President proposed diversifying the economy, enhancing leadership, and strengthening democracy in the Maldives to avert climate disasters. President Dr. Muizzu also shed light on the administration’s initiatives to digital transformation and artificial intelligence.

In his speech, the President recounted the history of why UN membership was crucial for the Maldives. He highlighted that respect for sovereignty and sovereign equality among states as fundamental principles of today’s international order, and how safeguarding the sovereignty and independence is vital for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to thrive and prosper.

Addressing current global challenges, taking note of the war and genocide in Gaza, the President stressed the importance of US institutions in upholding human rights, respecting the right to peaceful protest. He urged universities to remain bastions of free thought and constructive discourse. He underscored the vital relationship between the Maldives and the United States in sustaining this rule-based international order and multilateralism.

President addressed the Princeton University, following an invitation from Dean Amaney A. Jamal, the Edwards S. Sanford Professor of Politics and International Affairs at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. This engagement is part of the prestigious “Dean’s Leadership Series.”

The President and Dean Amaney also held a meeting and discussed areas of mutual cooperation during their meeting.President Dr. Muizzu’s visit to Princeton University is part of his official engagements during his trip to the United States for the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.