Maldives pension fund has grown to MVR 30.3 billion as of September this year, with 204,549 people enrolled in the Maldives Retirement Pension Scheme (MRPS).

Speaking at the Maldives Finance Forum held at DusitD2 Feydhoo, Pension Office CEO Yazmeed Mohamed said the fund had surpassed MVR 30 billion and paid out MVR 16.8 million in retirement pensions over the past 12 months. The government spent MVR 158 million on pensions during the same period.

Maldives Finance Forum has been organized by the Pension Office since 2012. This year's forum focused on challenges to promoting green finance in the Maldives, practical solutions and financial instruments that could support sustainable financing.

Yazmeed said the Pension Office's priority was to diversify its investments and develop a portfolio that delivers the strongest possible returns.

He said the office was looking for projects that meet environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria, as well as new opportunities to support climate financing.

"The decisions we make today will directly determine the financial security of our members and pensioners in the long term," he said.

Yazmeed said priority should be given to sustainable and environmentally friendly investments to safeguard the financial security of future generations.

"Every investment must be backed by a robust management system, with risks assessed and financial viability established," he said.

He said the office would prioritize identifying investment opportunities that offer long-term returns while delivering environmental and financial benefits.

Yazmeed also warned that climate change could affect key sectors of the economy, including fisheries, tourism and small businesses, potentially reducing incomes and disrupting pension contributions.

"Strengthening the country's economy is therefore essential to ensuring the long term growth of the pension fund and the retirement security of its members," he said.