UNDP Highlights Need for Long-Term Development Strategy in the Maldives

The Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and UNDP Regional Director for South Asia and the Pacific, Kanni Wiganaraja, has highlighted the importance of long-term policy frameworks to support the Maldives in achieving its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Wiganaraja’s remarks came at the end of her visit to Fuvahmulah City.

Commending the Maldives for its commitment to sustainable development, Wiganaraja emphasised that meaningful progress requires a long-term approach. She stressed the need for a strong policy foundation to guide the nation’s development efforts effectively.

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The Regional Director shared that the UNDP is prioritising the creation of a comprehensive 20-year national plan to support sustainable growth in the Maldives. Effective implementation of this plan, she noted, would be essential, as achieving the SDGs demands investment across multiple sectors. Key areas of focus include strengthening technical capabilities, empowering women, and expanding renewable energy initiatives.

Wiganaraja also underscored the impact that enhanced digital infrastructure could have on various SDGs, noting that investments in digital advancements can drive progress across sectors. She emphasised that empowering women and widening educational access are critical for sustainable development, adding that renewable energy investments could help alleviate the high costs the Maldives faces due to its reliance on imported oil.

President Mohammed Muizzu, who holds responsibility for the national development plan, has pledged to prioritise this initiative. In a recent social media announcement, President Muizzu described the plan as a collective effort aimed at securing a prosperous future for the Maldives. He highlighted it as a crucial step toward inclusive development for the country’s citizens and future generations.