Villa College's Faculty of Shariah and Law convened a significant academic forum titled "United Nations at the Crossroads: Reassessing its Global Peace, Justice, and Governance" on 28 January 2025. This timely gathering brought together distinguished diplomats, scholars, and students to engage in a rigorous examination of multilateralism and the evolving role of the United Nations as it approaches its ninth decade of existence.
The forum featured keynote addresses from three prominent voices in international affairs and governance. Hon. Dunya Maumoon, former Foreign Minister of the Maldives and Governance and International Affairs Specialist, delivered the opening keynote with a candid assessment of the UN's mandate to serve "We the Peoples." While acknowledging the organisation's vital contributions to humanitarian relief and development, Hon. Maumoon directed attention to the challenges facing the Security Council in addressing modern conflicts. Her remarks called for consistent application of international law, noting that "when resolutions calling for ceasefire are blocked or diluted, the credibility of the entire system collapses." This powerful observation underscored the urgent need for institutional reform to ensure the UN can effectively fulfil its founding objectives of peace and security.
Dr. Ahmed Shahid, Adjunct Professor at Villa College and Consultant and Researcher in Human Rights, Governance, and Public Policy, offered a philosophical perspective on the evolution of human rights and sustainable development. He invited the audience to consider the broader historical context of human progress and dignity, emphasising that the core mission of global governance remains rooted in the protection of the individual. Dr. Shahid articulated that "the whole idea of human rights is based on human dignity," reminding attendees that no person should ever be placed in a position where basic necessities become a matter of supplication rather than rightful entitlement.
Ms. Mariyam Midfa Naeem, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, brought a distinctive perspective on the strategic role of the Maldives in multilateral diplomacy. She advocated for reframing "Small Island States" as "Large Ocean States," highlighting how nations like the Maldives employ "norm entrepreneurship" to lead on pressing global issues such as climate change. Ms. Naeem eloquently described the soft power wielded by smaller nations, observing that while such states may lack military strength or extensive diplomatic capital, they possess something equally valuable in the form of good ideas. Her memorable characterisation of the UN as an institution that "needs to go to therapy" captured both the necessity of the organisation and its requirement for meaningful introspection and reform.
Villa College Rector Dr. Ahmed Anwar opened the forum by encouraging students to approach the evening with the "courage of academic inquiry." The event concluded with an interactive dialogue session that exemplified the institution's commitment to providing a platform for critical thinking and constructive debate on pivotal global issues. This forum represents Villa College's ongoing dedication to fostering meaningful academic discourse that connects students and scholars with the pressing challenges facing our interconnected world.
