Ref: 2026/PR/50
Today, at the opening of the seventy-first session on the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, the Maldives commenced its term as a member of the Commission for 2026-2030. This is the first time the Maldives is serving as a member of this Commission.
This session followed the conclusion of the seventieth session, which took place at the UN Headquarters in New York from 9-19 March 2026, under the theme, ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls, including by promoting inclusive and equitable legal systems, eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices, and addressing structural barriers.
During the general discussion of the seventieth session, Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the UN, Dr Ali Naseer Mohamed delivered a statement highlighting the progress made at national level to enhance women’s role in governance and decision-making through data-driven policies, reinforced legal protections, and accessible support services. He also stressed the need to invest in gender-responsive financial tools for sustainable development at the Group of 77 and Emerging Partners Ministerial Roundtable, co-hosted by the Maldives, Timor-Leste, Brazil, South Africa, Kazakhstan, and UN-WOMEN, to explore pathways for accelerating sustainable financing for gender equality for all women and girls.
The Maldives, represented by officials of the Ministry of Social and Family Development, delivered a Voluntary National Presentation at the commission for the first time, reaffirming its commitment and progress towards gender equality.
The Commission on the Status of Women, established on 21 June 1946 by UN ECOSOC resolution 11(II), is the principal body dedicated to promoting gender equality, the rights and empowerment of women. As a functional commission of ECOSOC, it convenes annually in New York to set global standards, assess progress, and agree on actions to improve women's lives.
The Maldives was elected as a member of the commission during an election held on 4 April 2025 at ECOSOC.
ENDS