UN Assistant Secretary-General, UNDP Assistant Administrator and UNDP Regional Director Kanni Wignaraja Concludes Official Mission to the Maldives

Malé, 11 September 2024: The United Nations Assistant Secretary-General, UNDP Assistant Administrator, and UNDP Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, Ms. Kanni Wignaraja, successfully concluded her official mission to the Maldives today.

Over the course of her three-day visit, Ms. Wignaraja engaged in high-level discussions with the leadership of the Executive and Judicial branches, including key meetings with cabinet ministers, senior government officials, and the Chief Justice. In addition, she met with representatives from development partners, local communities, and civil society organizations. The discussions focused on strengthening UNDP's ongoing support for the Maldives' development priorities and fostering collaboration to address key challenges facing the nation.

"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".

The official mission commenced with the launch of the Maldives' first solar-powered Agriboat, held in collaboration with the Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives and national counterparts. The event was presided over by the Minister of Cities, Local Government, and Public Works. This innovative vessel is designed to reduce post-harvest losses, lower emissions, and enhance market access for farmers, providing improved connectivity to clients and customers. The Agriboat exemplifies the Maldives' commitment to sustainable agriculture and resilient food systems, supported by UNDP and its development partners.

During the mission, Ms. Wignaraja visited Fuvahmulah alongside the Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy of the Maldives and the Australian High Commissioner, where they were received by the Mayor of Fuvahmulah City. The visit marked the official launch of the 'Maldives Resilient Reef Ecosystem and Economy for the Future' (Maldives RREEF) Project, funded by the Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR). A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between UNDP, the Ministry, and the city councils of Addu and Fuvahmulah, solidifying cooperation on the project's implementation. The Maldives RREEF initiative aims to protect vital reef ecosystems while promoting sustainable economic growth for island communities.

In Fuvahmulah City, Ms. Wignaraja expressed her gratitude to the Australian High Commissioner and the Government of Australia for their generous pledge of AUS$ 5 million over the next five years. This commitment will support the conservation of the Maldives' natural assets and the expansion of renewable energy initiatives, reinforcing efforts to protect the environment while advancing sustainable development goals in the country.

The delegation also toured Fuvahmulah Nature Park and visited an exhibition highlighting innovative local solutions from grantees of the Plastic Innovation Challenge, supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme. The exhibition showcased community-driven initiatives aimed at addressing plastic waste and environmental challenges. Many of these initiatives are potential beneficiaries of the SME development component of the Maldives RREEF Project, underscoring the project's role in fostering sustainable economic opportunities alongside environmental conservation.

On the final day of her official mission, Ms. Wignaraja delivered an address at the policy dialogue on 'Financing for Sustainable Development' which gathered key stakeholders to address the structural challenges behind high debt levels, their impact on human development, and potential financing solutions for the Maldives' current vulnerabilities. During the event, the Capital Market Development Authority (CMDA), in partnership with UNDP, unveiled the Maldives Sustainability Reporting Framework, the country's first Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Framework for the corporate sector. This milestone marks a significant step in engaging the private sector in national development efforts and advancing the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Ms. Wignaraja also witnessed the signing of a UK Partnership Agreement, co-signed with the UK High Commissioner, aimed at fostering the growth of the Blue Economy in the Maldives. The partnership focuses on empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Blue Economy sector through blended finance mechanisms, enhancing their role in sustainable development. Following the agreement, she participated in a Civic Space Conversation, where civil society representatives shared insights on democratic consolidation, the state of the economy, and the impacts of the climate emergency. These discussions highlighted the critical importance of inclusive dialogue in tackling the country's most pressing challenges.

The mission concluded with a high-level event attended by His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and co-hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, celebrating UNDP's over 45 years of service and enduring partnership with the Maldives. The event featured the launch of a special edition of UNDP Maldives' Island Life magazine, highlighting the country's significant development milestones and the collaborative efforts that have shaped its progress over the decades.

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