Maldives has, for the first time, been elected to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the Foreign Ministry has announced. 

Maldives will serve on the council from 2027 until 2029 after being elected with 183 votes during elections held at the UN Headquarters in New York yesterday. 

The term is set to commence on January 1, 2027. Alongside Maldives, Malaysia and the Republic of Korea was elected to the three Asia-Pacific Group seats. 

The Foreign Ministry said the Maldives' election to the ECOSOC shows Member States' confidence in the country's long-standing commitment to sustainable development, climate action and development financing. 

“The election of the Maldives to ECOSOC for the first time is a proud and historic moment for our country. It reflects the international community’s confidence and trust in the Maldives, and the foreign policy of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu," Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam said.

"[And it] is a recognition of the long-standing commitment of the Maldives to sustainable development, climate action, and its advocacy on the priorities of small island developing States. We express our sincere appreciation to all Member States for their support and confidence”.

Dr Ali Naseer Mohamed, Permanent Representative of the Maldives to UN said, "The election of the Maldives to ECOSOC is both an honour and a responsibility. It is an acknowledgement of the consistent advocacy of the Maldives for sustainable development and climate resilience. During our term, we will work with all Member States to strengthen ECOSOC’s role as a platform for implementation, partnership, and practical solutions”.

ECOSOC, one of the UN's six principal organs, oversees the organization's economic and social work. It also reviews global progress on developmental commitments, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.