Representing the Maldives at the 81st UN General Assembly, Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef has called to abolish the Security Council veto powers held by five nations, and to grant a rotating seat to Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

"As the world transforms, so must the United Nations," Vice President Latheef stated. 

The Vice President emphasized that the unequal representation remains one of the UN's oldest weaknesses, and called for the veto powers to be abolished, for SIDS to be granted a rotating seat, and for Africa to be afforded true representation.

Permanent members of the Security Council who hold veto powers are USA, Russia, China, UK and France.  

"Small States understand how closely climate, finance, trade supply chains and security are connected. We also know that international law is our strongest safeguard against unequal power. That principle must remain at the heart of the international system," Vice President Latheef said. 

"The Maldives proposes a simple test for a sovereign future. When we act on conflict, climate, finance, technology, or institutional reform, let us ask: Does this decision expand a State's freedom to choose? Does it build national capacity and reduce dependence? Does it protect sovereignty and independent decision-making?," he continued.

"If the answer is no, we must change course. And we must hold every State to the same standard."

Vice President Latheef noted that back in 1989, Maldives asked the UN General Assembly to protect small States from external threats. Today, this appeal is extended to asking the assembly to protect every State's freedom to choose its own future, chosen by its people and grounded in international law, he said.