UN Assistant Secretary-General, UNDP Assistant Administrator and UNDP Regional Director Kanni Wignaraja conducted a three day visit to Maldives.
UN Assistant Secretary-General, UNDP Assistant Administrator and UNDP Regional Director Kanni Wignaraja conducted a three day visit to Maldives.
The visit coincides with the UNDP marking 45 years in the Maldives.
During the visit, Wignaraja held discussions with the Executive, as well as key officials of the Judicial sector.
She also met with development partners, local communities and civil society organizations, which included discussions on further strengthening UNDP initiatives in the country and collaborative tackling of challenges.
“The Maldives has come a long way, making significant strides in democratic governance, environmental conservation, and human development. However, like many developing nations, it faces challenges with rising debt, limited cash flow, and high borrowing costs, alongside growing inequalities and an escalating climate crisis,” said Kanni Wignaraja.
“For over 45 years, UNDP has been a steadfast partner to the Maldives. Our relationship is built on trust and innovation, as we work together towards a future where the economy works for everyone, and nature is preserved”.
One of the first initiatives launched during the visit was the Agriboat. The Agriboat is a solar-powered vessel which will travel between Male' and Laamu atoll for the transport of fresh produce. It is equipped with cold storage and fresh produce storage.
The Agriboat paves the path for easier market access to farmers through improving connectivity, and also reduces post-harvest losses. The vessel is designed for lower emissions, and is testament to the Maldives' commitment towards sustainability in agriculture.
The launch of the Agriboat was held in collaboration with the Ambassador of Japan and the Ministry of Cities, Local Government and Public Works.
Wignaraja also visited Fuvahmulah, accompanied by the Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Thoriq Ibrahim. There, the Maldives Resilient Reef Ecosystem and Economy for the Future (Maldives RREEF), funded by the Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR) was launched.
Under this project, a memorandum of understanding was signed to develop and renovate the Nature Parks in Addu and Fuvahmulah.
During the visit to Fuvahmulah, Wignraja extended thanks to Australia for the pledge of AUS dollars 5 million over the next five years.
The visit also saw the delegation attending an exhibition by grantees of the Plastic Innovation Challenge, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme. The exhibits showed community-driven initiatives for addressing plastic waste.
As a final event, Wignaraja addressed the policy dialogue on 'Financing for Sustainable Development'.
At this event, management of high debt levels, the impact it would have on human development and potential financial solutions were discussed.
There, Capital Market Development Authority (CMDA), in partnership with UNDP, launched the Maldives Sustainability Reporting Framework.
The Maldives Sustainability Reporting Framework is the country's first Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Framework for the corporate sector.
A celebration of UNDP's 45 years of service in the Maldives was also held in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attended by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.
At the event, the UNDP Maldives' Island Life magazine was launched.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Muizzu said, "The challenges ahead are formidable, but with UNDP on our side and by our side, we are confident in our ability to build a more resilient, inclusive, and prosperous Maldives."
UNDP Maldives Resident Representative, Mr. Enrico Gaveglia, emphasized that Ms. Wignaraja’s visit reinforces UNDP’s unwavering commitment to the Maldives’ goal of becoming a fully developed country by 2040.
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