The projects on which the funds will be expended will be finalized by UNRWA in the next two or three days. Once the projects are finalized, a statement will also be issued, a Foreign Ministry official said.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced said today that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has received over MVR 19 million (USD 1.2 million) raised during a telethon organized by state media, PSM in May.
The funds were deposited directly into UNRWA's account through the central bank, according to the ministry.
“The projects on which the funds will be expended will be finalized by UNRWA in the next two or three days. Once the projects are finalized, a statement will be issued,” a Foreign Ministry official said.
The government also denied recent allegations that the funds had not been transferred.
The telethon, titled “Palestine aa eku Dhivehin” (Maldivians in Solidarity with Palestine), took place on May 12 from 08:00 hrs to midnight. Donation boxes were placed across Male' until 18:00 hrs that day, with online transfers also made available.
The event was supported by various government institutions, schools, private individuals, and companies, and was held not only in Malé but across all islands in the Maldives.
An independent audit firm, Crowe Maldives, was responsible for counting the proceeds.
President Muizzu has announced an increase in the Maldives' annual contribution this year to the UN's fund, raising it from USD 5,000 to USD 50,000.