President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu praised the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for its pivotal role in shaping the Maldives’ development, highlighting the organization’s long-standing partnership with the island nation. Speaking at a ceremony on Thursday evening to mark the 45th anniversary of the UNDP’s presence in the Maldives, President Muizzu reflected on the transformative impact the collaboration has had on the country’s progress.
The event was attended by senior government officials and key figures from the UNDP, underscoring the significance of the milestone.
In his remarks, President Muizzu noted that the Maldives-UNDP partnership, established in 1978, has been crucial in addressing the aspirations and challenges faced by the Maldivian people. He emphasized that the partnership is rooted in shared values of development, progress, and human dignity, with a strong commitment to sustainable growth. The President highlighted how UNDP’s support has been instrumental in the Maldives’ journey from one of the least developed countries in the world to a modern, resilient nation.
“UNDP’s presence has been constant in our path to sustainable development,” President Muizzu said. “Their expert assistance was critical when the Maldives graduated from Least Developed Country status in 2011, and their work continues to drive initiatives that address climate resilience, economic diversification, women’s empowerment, social inclusion, and institutional reform.”
Over the past four and a half decades, UNDP has expanded its focus beyond basic development needs to tackle more complex challenges, particularly as the Maldives contends with the impacts of climate change and seeks to strengthen its economy. The President acknowledged that the Maldives’ future depends on such collaborations, as the nation aims to achieve full development by 2040, with a strong emphasis on digital transformation and sustainability.
“As we work towards becoming a fully developed nation by 2040, we rely on UNDP’s continued support,” he added, expressing gratitude for the agency’s assistance in the formulation of the Maldives’ twenty-year development plan and the ongoing Government’s Strategic Action Plan (SAP).
President Muizzu concluded his speech by thanking the UNDP and the wider United Nations for their unwavering support over the years, recognizing their crucial role in the country’s continued development.
The event celebrated 45 years of partnership, marking an important milestone in the Maldives’ ongoing journey towards sustainable progress.
