Ref: 2024/PR/331
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Maldives, today, hosted the unveiling of ‘Dhivehi Dhathuru’ – The Maldives Journey, celebrating over forty-five years of UNDP's pivotal contributions to the Maldives' development journey.
This event featured keynote addresses by the President of Maldives Dr Mohamed Muizzu. The UN Assistant Secretary-General and Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific at the UNDP Ms Kanni Wignaraja spoke at the event as well.
In his keynote address, President Dr Muizzu, highlighted the role of UNDP in transforming the development landscape of the Maldives. He noted UNDP’s assistance in improving the lives and livelihoods of people, to more recent initiatives focused on supporting climate resilience, economic diversification, and social inclusion. Noting that the path forward to realising his vision for the Maldives to become a full-fledged developed country by 2040, is rooted in youth empowerment, digitalization, and sustainable development, he called for the support of the wider UN system, including UNDP, and other international partners.
In his welcome address, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Abdulla Khaleel, reflected on over forty-five years of Maldives-UNDP partnership. He recognised the role of UNDP in strengthening institutions, supporting policy development, connecting partners, and empowering women and young minds. He also noted the support UNDP has been providing to formulate the Strategic Action Plan and the 20-year National Development Plan of the Government.
He further underlined the importance of implementing the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Small Island Developing States (ABAS), adopted at the 4th SIDS Conference held in Antigua and Barbuda, through the UN’s country programmes.
This commemorative event launched a special edition of the UNDP’s Life Magazine and featured welcome addresses by the UNDP Resident Representative Enrico Gaveglia. It also comprised an exhibition showcasing the development milestones.
ENDS