Maldives signs two agreements with UN

The Maldivian government and the United Nations (UN), on Thursday, signed two project agreements during a ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid and UN Resident Coordinator Catherine Haswell signed the agreements.

The first project, financed by a USD 1.4 million commitment from the Joint SDG Fund, supports the operationalization of an Integrated National Finance Framework (INFF) process in Maldives.

Intended to deliver long-term development benefits and contribute towards the inclusive 2030 Agenda, the initiative aims to strengthen financial planning processes and increase the prioritization of funding climate action as well as the provision of gender-responsive and equitable social sector service.

The two-year project will be jointly implemented by the Maldivian government, UN Agencies, civil society organizations as well as entities from the private sector and other partners.

The second project involves joint resource mobilization by the government and UN Maldives from the first round of the United Nations COVID-19 Response and Recovery Multi-Partner Trust Fund.

With a fund of USD 360,000 the project aims to improve the national response towards vulnerable groups by expanding psychosocial support services and increasing the preparedness of the Home for People with Special Needs located in Guraidhoo, Kaafu Atoll.

The government, UN Agencies, Maldives Red Crescent (MRC) and other partners will conduct the project over a five-month period.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Shahid thanked the UN for supporting the government's endeavours to extend crucial and timely assistance for vulnerable sections of Maldivian society, amid efforts to acclimatize to the new normal.

UN Resident Coordinator Haswell expressed hope that the two agreements signed on Thursday would lead to the implementation of stronger policies to create more inclusive and resilient communities that leave no one behind. She also reiterated the UN commitment to assist Maldives' effort to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and achieve the 2030 Agenda.

The Maldivian government and the UN guaranteed that the progress of the joint programmes would be monitored as part of efforts to accelerate the achievement of the 2030 Agenda.