Thilmeeza Hussain

Thilmeeza Hussain has served as Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations, Ambassador to the United States, and non-resident High Commissioner to Canada. A longstanding advocate for climate justice, gender equality, sustainable development, and the interests of small island developing states, she has held several leadership roles in multilateral diplomacy. As Permanent Representative, she co-chaired the Circle of Women Ambassadors to the United Nations and led the initiative in establishing the International Day of Women in Diplomacy. She also led the Preparatory Committee for the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States, served on the Gender Advisory Boards of the Presidents of the 76th, 77th, and 78th sessions of the UN General Assembly, and was Special Envoy of the President of the 76th General Assembly.

Earlier in her career, Hussain served as Deputy Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations from 2009 to 2012, Minister of State for Home Affairs with responsibility for the Northern Province, and adjunct professor of sustainability at Ramapo College.

Hussain currently heads the United Nations Regional Commissions New York Office, which connects the work of the five Regional Commissions with UN intergovernmental processes and entities in New York, helping translate regional priorities into global policy discussions and coordinated action on sustainable development.