The Maldives has officially commenced its historic first term on the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), beginning its four-year membership for the 2026–2030 period.

The transition took place during the opening of the Commission’s seventy-first session in New York this past Saturday, following the conclusion of the seventieth session held from March 9 to 19.

The recently concluded session focused on strengthening access to justice for women and girls by promoting equitable legal systems and removing structural barriers.

Representing the Maldives, Permanent Representative to the UN Dr Ali Naseer Mohamed highlighted national progress in governance and decision-making, emphasising the role of data-driven policies and reinforced legal protections. Dr Ali Naseer also co-hosted a ministerial roundtable alongside representatives from Brazil, South Africa, Timor-Leste, Kazakhstan, and UN Women, where he advocated for gender-responsive financial tools to accelerate sustainable development.

In another milestone for the country, officials from the Ministry of Social and Family Development delivered the Maldives' first-ever Voluntary National Presentation at the Commission.

The Maldives secured its seat on the Commission during an election held at the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) on 4 April 2025. Established in 1946, the CSW is the primary global body dedicated to the empowerment of women and the promotion of gender equality. As a functional commission of ECOSOC, it meets annually to set international standards and evaluate global progress on women's rights.