About
Fathimath Dhiyana Saeed
Lawyer, diplomat, constitutional reformer, and the first woman to serve as Secretary-General of SAARC. A life dedicated to public service and democratic governance.
Photo: The President's Office, Maldives (CC BY 4.0)
A Pioneer in Law & Diplomacy
Fathimath Dhiyana Saeed is a Maldivian diplomat and politician who has dedicated her career to the pursuit of justice, democratic governance, and regional cooperation. She made history as the first woman to serve as Secretary-General of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) since the organization's inception in 1985.
Her distinguished career includes serving as Attorney General of the Maldives under President Mohamed Nasheed, Minister of Gender, Family and Human Rights, and most recently as Ambassador at Large under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
A founding member of the Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party, she has been a vocal proponent for legal reforms, human rights, gender equality, and the consolidation of democratic governance in the Maldives.
Early Life & Education
Fathimath Dhiyana Saeed was born on November 21, 1972, in Hithadhoo (modern Addu City), in Seenu Atoll, Maldives. Growing up in one of the southernmost atolls of the Maldives, she obtained her primary and secondary education in her home country before pursuing higher education abroad.
In 2000, she earned her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) from the University of Tasmania in Australia, establishing a strong foundation in common law principles and legal practice.
She continued her academic pursuits in Japan, where in 2004 she obtained her Master of Laws (LL.M) from the Graduate School of Law and Politics at Osaka University. Her graduate studies focused on constitutional law and international legal frameworks, expertise that would prove invaluable in her future roles.
2000
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B)
University of Tasmania, Australia
2004
Master of Laws (LL.M)
Graduate School of Law and Politics, Osaka University, Japan
Legal Career
Dhiyana Saeed began her legal career in 2000 as a State Attorneyat the Attorney General's Office of the Maldives. In this role, she was responsible for providing legal opinions to the Government on all aspects of its dealings and for reviewing draft laws and regulations.
Her exceptional legal acumen led to her promotion to Executive Director in 2005. That same year, she was appointed to the People's Majlis (Parliament) and by virtue of that appointment, became a member of the People's Special Majlis (Constitutional Assembly).
As a member of Parliament and the Constitutional Assembly, she played a key role in introducing multi-party democracy to the Maldives and instituting constitutional and legal reforms. She is especially credited for proposing a deadline to complete the constitution and a time-bound schedule to meet the proposed deadline.
Attorney General of the Maldives
In November 2008, following the Maldives' first multi-party presidential election, Dhiyana Saeed was appointed as the Attorney General of the first democratically elected government under President Mohamed Nasheed.
As Attorney General, she played a leading role in sustaining the newfound democracy and the decentralization of powers in the Maldives. Her tenure focused on strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring the rule of law in the nation's historic transition.
She served in this pivotal role from November 12, 2008, to May 19, 2009, during a critical period of democratic consolidation in the Maldives.
November 2008 - May 2009
Attorney General
Under President Mohamed Nasheed's administration
Historic Role: Secretary-General of SAARC
On August 4, 2010, President Mohamed Nasheed appointed Dhiyana Saeed as the Maldivian Government's Envoy for South Asia, a role she held until March 2011.
On February 10, 2011, she was appointed to the post of Secretary-General of SAARC by the Thirty-third Session of the SAARC Council of Ministers held in Thimphu, Bhutan. She assumed office in Kathmandu on March 1, 2011, succeeding India's Sheel Kant Sharma.
Dhiyana Saeed made history as the first woman to hold the position of SAARC Secretary-General since the organization's inception in 1985.Her appointment represented a significant milestone for women's leadership in South Asian regional diplomacy.
As the 10th Secretary-General of SAARC, she led efforts to strengthen cooperation among the eight member nations of South Asia, advancing initiatives in trade, climate change adaptation, and people-to-people connectivity.
First Woman Secretary-General of SAARC
March 1, 2011 - January 24, 2012 | Headquartered in Kathmandu, Nepal
Minister of Gender, Family and Human Rights
Following the creation of the Ministry of Gender, Family and Human Rights, President Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik appointed Dhiyana Saeed as the Minister on May 7, 2012.
In this role, she championed policies advancing gender equality, protecting family welfare, and promoting human rights across the Maldives. Her tenure focused on institutional development and strengthening protections for vulnerable populations.
She served in this capacity until November 19, 2012, continuing her lifelong advocacy for women's rights and social justice.
Political Advocacy
Dhiyana Saeed is a founding member of the Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP)and served as a member of its Executive Council. She later joined the Jumhooree Partyand was elected Leader of its Women's Wing.
Throughout her political career, she has been a vocal proponent for legal reforms, human rights, and gender equality, as well as the consolidation of democratic governance in the Maldives.
She has consistently advocated for constitutional integrity, calling for judicial review of amendments that she believes strip citizens of their rights. She has also advocated for the synchronization of presidential and parliamentary elections to enhance government accountability and legislative oversight.
Current Role: Ambassador at Large
In April 2026, Dhiyana Saeed was appointed as Ambassador at Largeunder the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives. In this prestigious capacity, she continues to represent her nation on the international stage.
Her current work focuses on advancing diplomatic relations, promoting regional cooperation, and advocating for issues critical to small island developing states, including climate action and sustainable development.
She continues to be a voice for ethical governance, having commented on issues such as the fine line between gifts and bribes for government officials, emphasizing transparency and accountability in public service.
April 2026 - Present
Ambassador at Large
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Maldives
A Legacy of Service & Leadership
From pioneering constitutional reform to breaking barriers as SAARC's first female Secretary-General, Dhiyana Saeed's career exemplifies dedication to justice, democracy, and the empowerment of women in leadership. Her legacy continues to inspire the next generation of leaders in the Maldives and across South Asia.