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No more underdogs — Morocco ready to battle top nations, including heavyweight Brazil

Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi insists his team is no longer an underdog as they prepare to face Brazil in the World Cup opener at New York New Jersey Stadium. Morocco became the first African team to reach the semi-finals in 2022. Ouahbi, who took over three months ago, faces injuries to Nayef Aguerd and Abde Ezzalzouli but says the squad is fit. He downplays fear of Brazil, citing Morocco's 2023 friendly win. Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti calls it a balanced game. The 48-team tournament features a compelling Group C clash, with Morocco also co-hosting the 2030 World Cup.

Maldives elected to the United Nations Economic and Social Council for the first time

The Maldives was elected to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for the first time, for a three-year term from 2027 to 2029. The election took place at UN Headquarters in New York on 4 June 2026, with Maldives obtaining 183 votes. Maldives was elected alongside Malaysia and the Republic of Korea to fill the three Asia-Pacific Group seats. Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam and Permanent Representative Dr. Ali Naseer Mohamed expressed pride and commitment to sustainable development, climate action, and small island developing state priorities. ECOSOC coordinates UN system economic and social work and reviews progress on the 2030 Agenda.

The Maldives elected Vice-Chair of the Economic and Financial Committee of the UN General Assembly

The Maldives was unanimously elected Vice-Chair of the Economic and Financial Committee (Second Committee) of the UN General Assembly for its 81st Session, during elections at UN Headquarters in New York on 2 June 2026. The Maldives will be represented by Hussain Azhaan Mohamed Hussain, Second Secretary. The term runs from September 2026 to September 2027. The election reflects the international community's confidence in the Maldives' constructive engagement, especially on SIDS priorities and the 2030 Agenda.

Nasheed Denies Link to Epstein Meeting Mentioned in Leaked Emails

Former President Mohamed Nasheed denied being the former Maldivian president mentioned in leaked emails involving convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The emails, from former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak's account, showed Epstein scheduling a meeting with a 'former president of the Maldives' in New York on April 19, 2014. Nasheed stated he was in Malé in May 2014 and had no connection. The other living former presidents are Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and Mohamed Waheed Hassan. It is not confirmed whether the meeting took place.

Which former president met Epstein? Leak sparks heated debate in Maldives

A leaked email from Ehud Barak to Jeffrey Epstein revealed Epstein had access to a 'former president of the Maldives'. Maldivians on X (Twitter) investigated and deduced that only former President Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik was unaccounted for in April 2014, as Nasheed was in Maldives and Gayoom was in Sri Lanka. The revelation has sparked public debate and demands for clarity, though no evidence links any Maldivian leader to Epstein's crimes.

Maldives Elected Vice President of 80th UN General Assembly Session

The Maldives has been elected as one of the Vice Presidents of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), scheduled to begin in September 2025. The vote took place in New York, where the Maldives secured a seat for the Asia-Pacific Group alongside Bangladesh, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Timor-Leste. This coincides with the 60th anniversary of Maldives' UN membership on 21 September 2025. As Vice President, the Maldives will help preside over plenary meetings and support the President of the General Assembly.

Maldives Rises on the World Stage: Elected UNGA Vice President

The Maldives has been elected as a Vice President for the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, set for September 2025 to September 2026. The election took place at UN Headquarters with 21 Vice Presidents selected. Maldives represented the Asia-Pacific Group alongside Bangladesh, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Timor-Leste. This coincides with the nation's 60th anniversary of UN membership on September 21, 2025. President Muizzu called it a proud moment and highlighted advocacy for small island states. This is the third international electoral success for the current administration.

President Muizzu Urges Debt Relief Tied to Climate Finance for SIDS

President Mohamed Muizzu, as Co-Chair of the Strategic Advisory Group for the SIDS Debt Sustainability Support Service (DSSS), called on the international community to strengthen the link between debt relief and climate finance for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Speaking at a side event on 21 September 2024 in New York, he urged more favorable debt conditions, reallocation of Special Drawing Rights, and partnerships with Multilateral Development Banks and International Financial Institutions. He emphasized building robust institutions, empowering local communities, and economic diversification. The event was co-chaired by the Maldives, Antigua and Barbuda, and New Zealand, in partnership with IIED and UN DESA.

President Muizzu Arrives in New York to Attend UN General Assembly

President Mohamed Muizzu arrived in New York on Saturday to attend the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), his first visit to the UN and the United States since assuming office in November. He was greeted by Dr Ali Naseer Mohamed, Maldives' Permanent Representative to the UN. During his visit, Muizzu will address various meetings, become the first Maldivian president to speak at a UN Security Council debate, attend the Summit of the Future, and deliver a speech at Princeton University. A high-level government delegation accompanies him.

President Muizzu to Deliver Historic Address at UN Security Council Debate

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu will become the first Maldivian President to address the UN Security Council debate during the 79th UN General Assembly session in New York. The announcement was made by Government Spokesperson Heena Waleed. President Muizzu will also attend the Summit of the Future and deliver a speech at Princeton University. The UN General Assembly began on 24 September with 193 member states participating.

Maldives Becomes 92nd Signatory to BBNJ Agreement

The Maldives became the 92nd signatory to the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement on 3 September 2024 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The Cabinet approved the signing on 11 February, and parliamentary approval was granted on 13 May. Minister Thoriq Ibrahim called it a historical breakthrough, and Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer emphasized its importance for ocean conservation and the tourism and fisheries industries. The agreement establishes a framework for marine protected areas and technology transfer. It is open for signature until 20 September 2025 and will enter into force 120 days after the 60th country ratifies it; eight countries have already ratified.

Maldives Urges UN Security Council for Accelerated Response to Climate Emergency

Rare US Postage Stamp Fetches US$2 Million in New York Auction

The famous Inverted Jenny postage stamp from 1918 sold for a record US$2 million at Robert A Siegel Auction Galleries in New York. Only 100 of these stamps were ever printed, featuring an upside-down image of the Curtiss JN-4 airplane. The buyer, 76-year-old stamp collector Charles Hack, already owns several other Inverted Jennys. The stamp had been stored in a bank vault since 1918 with mint condition. Hack plans to preserve the stamp by protecting it from light.