President hails UNDP's pivotal role in Maldives' development

President Mohamed Muizzu said on Thursday that the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been instrumental in shaping the Maldives’ development path.

He made this remark during his address at the ceremony marking the 45th anniversary of UNDP in the Maldives.

The commemorative event, held on Thursday evening, was attended by members of the cabinet and key figures from the UNDP.

In his address, President Muizzu emphasised that 45 years marks a significant milestone in the partnership between the Maldives and the United Nations. He highlighted that this collaboration has been crucial in addressing the aspirations and challenges faced by the Maldivian people.

He further noted that the Maldives-UNDP partnership is founded on shared values of progress, development, and human dignity, with a commitment to sustainable development and a future where every Maldivian has the opportunity to thrive.

Reflecting on UNDP’s early role in the country, the president recalled the Maldives' transformation from one of the least economically developed nations to a modern, resilient, and forward-looking country.

"Since UNDP opened its country office in the Maldives in 1978, it has been a constant presence in our journey towards sustainable development. UNDP’s expert support was vital in helping the Maldives graduate from Least Developed Country status in 2011," he said.

He added that UNDP has broadened its focus over the years, addressing not only basic development needs but also more recent initiatives centred on climate resilience, economic diversification, social inclusion, women’s empowerment, good governance, and institutional reform.

"Together, we have faced challenges, celebrated victories, and forged a path towards a brighter future for our nation amidst the complexities of a rapidly changing world," he said.

President Muizzu also spoke about his administration's aspirations to make the Maldives a fully developed nation by 2040, with a strong focus on the digital economy and sustainable development.

"We rely on UNDP’s continued support to achieve these goals and are grateful for the assistance provided in developing the twenty-year development plan and the Government's Strategic Action Plan (SAP), both of which are currently underway," he added.

The president concluded his speech by thanking the United Nations for its enduring and invaluable contribution to the nation over the years.