hajam.ai
22 September 2026

International

Advocating for the equal representation of all nations at the United Nations, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has called for reforms to the international system to guarantee the rights of small island developing states. Furthermore, on 22 September 2026 in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Minister of Foreign Affairs Iruthisham Adam and Kenya's Prime Cabinet Secretary and Minister for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Dr. Musalia Mudavadi signed a Memorandum of Understanding to hold political consultations between the Maldives and Kenya.

The President stated on 22 September 2026 that the Maldives will advocate for equal representation of all countries at the United Nations. He voiced this while highlighting the need to amplify the voices of small nations on the international stage and emphasizing that fair and equal opportunities must be granted to all member states within the UN system. In this regard, the President assured that the Maldives will continuously work to fully represent the rights and concerns of small island nations in major international decision-making processes. Noting that equal participation is crucial to overcoming global challenges, he also affirmed that this will be prioritized within the Maldives' foreign policy.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Maldives and Kenya to establish a framework for holding political consultations. In a ceremony held on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, USA, the agreement was signed on behalf of the Maldives by Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam. Signing on behalf of the Kenyan government was the country's Prime Cabinet Secretary and Minister for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Dr. Musalia Mudavadi. The main purpose of this MoU is to hold regular consultations between the foreign ministries of both countries, sustainably strengthen relations, and enhance cooperation across various fields. Diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Kenya were established on 23 October 1995.

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Also in this edition

Politics

Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has decided not to contest the MDP primary for the upcoming 2028 presidential election and to endorse former Vice President Faisal Naseem. The MDP has decided to hold its upcoming congress open to the public. Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom challenged President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to contest the election and questioned whether this administration is an Islamic government. On behalf of the government, President Muizzu was described as a leader who understands the sentiments of the people. A delegation of PNC Members of Parliament departed for Pakistan on an official visit. Following the case filed at the Civil Court by Thai national Kanokporn Thavongna, who was detained for deportation from the Maldives, the court dismissed the case after Immigration released her. Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom marked 20 years since he first addressed the UN General Assembly in the Dhivehi language.

Economy

To develop the "Maldives Waterfront and Marina" project in Rasmale, an agreement valued between 12 billion and 20 billion dollars has been signed by Minister Dr. Abdulla Muththalib and Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Abu Dhabi's Eagle Hills company. The Ministry of Fisheries officially contracted the establishment of a 200-metric-ton fish cold storage facility in Th. Hirilandhoo to SJ Construction on 22 September 2026. The government has stated that the tourism industry will undergo changes due to new tax and foreign exchange policies. A special survey has now commenced to assess the income and expenditure of households in the Greater Male' area.

Health

Three people were reported to have died from cancer in the Maldives over the past six days on 22 September 2026, including 36-year-old Ali Shahumy (Alikko), a member of the racing community who passed away while undergoing treatment for bone cancer in India. Furthermore, the other two deceased are Abdulla Jameel, 55, from Th. Thimarafushi, and Aishath Fakhriyya, 29, from B. Dharavandhoo, who passed away after battling stage four cervical cancer. Statistics from the official registry show that more than 1,600 people are registered with cancer, and while at least 1,106 new cases were recorded between 2020 and 2025, no official research has yet been conducted to identify the causes behind the increase in this disease.