Nasheed Finds His Way Into UNGA After Maldives Blocks His Pass

By Himal

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has made it to the United Nations General Assembly in New York this week, but not under the Maldives’ flag. The government refused his request for an accreditation pass, leaving him unable to join the official delegation. Instead, Nasheed attended in his role as Secretary-General of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF), a global alliance of countries most exposed to climate change.

Speaking after the decision, Nasheed said he was disappointed that his own government shut him out. He argued that in many countries it is normal for former heads of state to be given passes, especially when they continue to hold important international positions. “My voice could have been an additional strength for Maldives,” he noted, pointing to the UN’s focus this year on climate survival and justice for small island states.

The Foreign Ministry’s refusal has stirred debate at home. Critics say the decision put politics before the nation’s interest, especially when the world’s spotlight was on climate challenges that directly threaten Maldivians. Nasheed’s presence was still felt through the CVF, but the question remains: should the Maldives have silenced one of its most experienced leaders on the world stage?