Abdulla Shahid

Abdulla Shahid, (; born 26 May 1962) is a Maldivian diplomat, politician, and public servant who served as the President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly from 2021 to 2022. He also served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives from 2018 to 2023. A member of the Maldivian Democratic Party, he served as the President of the party from 2024 until his resignation in 2026.

Shahid has held a range of senior positions in government and parliament over a four-decade career, including Speaker of the People's Majlis (2009–2014) and multiple terms as a Member of the People's Majlis. He is known for his contributions to multilateral diplomacy, democratic governance, and constitutional reform in the Maldives.

Early life and education

Shahid joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1984. He earned his bachelor's degree in political science from the Canberra College of Advanced Education in 1987. In 1991, he obtained a master's degree in international relations from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University. From 1990 to 1994, Shahid served on the advisory board to President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.

Career

Early diplomatic service

Shahid began his career in the Maldives' foreign service, rising through the ranks of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where he was appointed director in 1993. He led the International Organizations and Conferences Department and represented the Maldives in a number of international fora, including the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement and the Organization of Islamic Conference.

Member of Parliament and Speaker of the People's Majlis

In 2000, Shahid was elected to the People's Majlis as the representative for the Vaavu Atoll constituency.

That same month, he was elected as the 16th Speaker of the People's Majlis, a role he held from 2009 to 2014. He secured 42 out of 75 votes in parliament and presided over a transformative period in the country's democratic transition.

On 15 April 2013, Shahid resigned from the Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party, citing growing concerns about democratic backsliding. On 18 April 2013, he announced on Twitter that he had joined the Maldivian Democratic Party, aligning himself with the party’s democratic reform agenda. He served as the member of the People's Majlis for Henveiru Uthuru until his resignation in November 2018 to become the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Minister of Foreign Affairs

Shahid has served two terms as Minister of Foreign Affairs. His first appointment came in 2007 under President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, where he served until 2008.

In 2018, he returned to the Foreign Ministry under President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and served until 2023. During this period, Shahid led Maldives' diplomatic re-engagement with multilateral institutions, climate diplomacy, and renewed Commonwealth membership.

President of the United Nations General Assembly

On 7 June 2021, Shahid was elected as the 76th President of the United Nations General Assembly with 143 votes in favour out of 193 member states. His presidency focused on post-pandemic recovery, climate action, and revitalising multilateral cooperation.

On 23 December 2021, Shahid tested positive for COVID-19.

President of the Maldivian Democratic Party

In February 2024, following the resignation of former party president Mohamed Nasheed, Shahid assumed the leadership of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), the country’s largest political party. Unopposed in the nomination process, his selection reflected broad consensus within the party at a critical time. As president, Shahid has focused on revitalising democratic values, strengthening internal unity, and preparing the party to meet new political and institutional challenges.

In August 2026, Shahid resigned to take part in the MDP primary for the 2028 presidential election.

Honours