Ref: 2026/PR/127
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs held today, a panel discussion entitled “Women in Action: Diplomacy across Sectors” to mark this year’s International Day of Women in Diplomacy.
The event featured a keynote address from the Minister of Foreign Affairs Iruthisham Adam. In her address, she underlined the importance of women’s full, equal and meaningful participation in global decision-making. She also highlighted the contributions of women to diplomacy across all sectors and emphasised the need to empower future generations of women leaders while also addressing barriers to their full participation.
Following the keynote address, a panel comprising of officials from various sectors engaged in a discussion on the contribution of women to negotiations and international engagement across sectors. The panel included, Deputy Director General at the Ministry of Health, Family and Welfare Aminath Shaina Abdullah, Director at the Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources Munshida Ibrahim, Assistant Chief Counsel at the Attorney General’s Office Faena Fayyaz, and Principal International Relations Officer at the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Fathimath Usra. The panel was moderated by Assistant Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mariyam Fathika Fayaz. The panel explored the ways in which women shape international outcomes and promote national interests, while highlighting key challenges and opportunities for strengthening the role of women in diplomacy and international decision-making in the years ahead.
The event opened with remarks from Joint Secretary Mariyam Midhfa Naeem and concluded with remarks from Deputy Desk Officer Aminath Isfa Ibrahim. The event was attended by the members of the diplomatic community, representatives of various Ministries, and students from Ahmadhiyya International School, Centre for Higher Secondary Education, Villa High School, Maldives National University, and Villa College.
The Maldives led the UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/76/269, which proclaimed the Day. The resolution passed with the support of 191 Member States.
ENDS