Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef has reaffirmed the Maldives’ dedication to advancing global social development through inclusivity, equity, and resilience, during his plenary address at the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2) held in Doha, Qatar on Tuesday.
In his remarks, the Vice President reflected on the journey since the first World Summit for Social Development in 1995, noting that while the global vision for placing social progress at the heart of peace and prosperity remains strong, progress has been uneven. He highlighted persistent challenges, including widening inequalities, stalled progress in women’s rights, and the worsening impact of the climate crisis, which continues to deepen existing vulnerabilities worldwide.
Emphasising the realities faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like the Maldives, Vice President Latheef said people remain the nation’s greatest asset and that investing in human development is central to the country’s advancement. He noted that the government continues to prioritise healthcare, education, digital transformation, and climate resilience, aligning national efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Vice President also stressed the importance of expanding fiscal space to sustain social development initiatives. He outlined the Maldives’ proposal to convert debt into instruments for resilience-building, explaining that such measures would enhance social protection systems, climate-resilient infrastructure, and digital inclusion, paving the way for inclusive and sustainable growth.
Highlighting domestic achievements, he pointed to the Maldives’ success in establishing universal old-age pensions and universal health coverage, ensuring equitable access to essential services nationwide. He also drew attention to the Maldives Creative Economic Strategic Action Plan, which aims to contribute 15 percent of GDP by 2030, creating new opportunities for youth and fostering economic diversification.
Concluding his statement, Vice President Latheef called for stronger global solidarity and a reformed international financial system to enable greater investment in people. He reaffirmed the Maldives’ ongoing commitment to partnership, social inclusion, and sustainable development on the global stage.
The WSSD2 brings together heads of state and government, international organisations, civil society, and private sector representatives to renew collective efforts toward global social progress and sustainability. The first summit was held in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1995, marking the foundation for international cooperation in social development.
