Ref: 2026/PR/63
The Maldives is participating in the 82nd session of ESCAP, which commenced today in Bangkok under the theme “Leaving no one behind: advancing a society for all ages in Asia and the Pacific.” The delegation is led by Mohamed Azad, Account General at the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises.
Speaking at the General Debate, Accountant General Azad reaffirmed Maldives’ commitment to inclusive and age-responsive development, noting demographic change as an emerging reality for Small Island Developing States. The delegation highlighted ongoing national efforts in this regard, including the implementation of the National Ageing Policy and the National Action Plan on Ageing (2025–2028), as well as continued investments in universal healthcare, social protection, and measures to address non-communicable diseases.
He also underscored initiatives in the Maldives; strengthening the labour market through skills development, supporting working families, enhancing women’s participation in the workforce, and promoting women’s economic empowerment through targeted programmes such as the “Fashaa Madhadhu” Loan Scheme.
The Maldives delegation further highlighted its focus on climate action through renewable energy and resilience, and underscored the focus on data-driven policymaking, and efforts towards digital transformation under the Maldives 2.0 strategy.
The Maldives’ Permanent Representative to ESCAP, Huda Ali Shareef, is also chairing the ongoing Intergovernmental Working Group meetings, facilitating negotiations among Member States on draft resolutions and decisions for adoption at the session.
The 82nd session of UNESCAP will conclude on 24 April 2026.
ENDS.