At the ‘Youth Track to COP30’ event held in Malé today, 37 young people from across Maldives came together to urge national and global leaders to step up efforts to safeguard children and young people from the increasing impacts of climate change.As one of the world’s lowest-lying nations – with just 1 per cent land and 99 per cent sea – Maldives is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Rising sea levels, storm surges and beach erosion threaten children’s development, health, education and overall wellbeing. Without urgent action and investment in sustainable, climate-smart solutions, the risks to children’s safety and future opportunities will only continue to grow. “Climate change isn’t just about the environment; it’s about our future. As young people in Maldives, we worry about how rising sea levels and extreme weather will affect our homes, our education, and the opportunities we have later in life. Taking immediate action now is the only way to protect our islands and our future,” stated Shu’a Ahmed Shaheen, a participant at ‘Youth Track to COP30’.UNICEF Maldives/2025/Shaari Shu'a in a discussion during the Youth Track to COP30, which included sessions on climate science, negotiation and advocacy.The ‘Youth Track to COP30’ is an initiative that aims to place young people at the heart of climate action. The fifth edition of this initiative, organised in partnership with the President’s Office and the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, brings together young people and connects them with experts, mentors and peers to equip them with the knowledge and skills to lead advocacy efforts and engage meaningfully in national and global climate discussions.“The leadership, passion and energy of the young people shown during the Youth Track to COP30 gives me optimism for the future of Maldives. The commitment and enthusiasm shown is recognised by the Government and we are committed to providing platforms to empower and engage young Maldivians on climate action,” stated H.E. Minister of Tourism and Environment, Mr. Thoriq IbrahimThe main components of the ‘Youth Track to COP30’ included technical sessions on climate science and youth-led climate action, Mock COP negotiations, and the development and presentation of recommendations by the young people to the head of the Maldivian delegation for COP30. This year an exciting new component was also added to the Youth Track, which showcased climate solutions developed by young people through imaGen Ventures design thinking workshops held across three islands in Maldives.As the inheritors of tomorrow’s world, young people’s recommendations called on national policymakers and global decision-makers to prioritise their future and to meaningfully involve them in shaping climate policy and action. Two participants from this year’s ‘Youth Track to COP30’ were selected to represent the voices of Maldivian children and young people at COP30, scheduled to be held in Belém, Brazil, from 10 to 21 November 2025.“Young people are not just the inheritors of tomorrow’s world; they are also the stakeholders of today. It is crucial that we provide them with the opportunities to become leaders and drivers of change, both in their communities and on the global stage,” stated UNICEF Representative to Maldives, Dr. Edward Addai.UNICEF Maldives/2025/Shaari Minister of Tourism and Environment, H.E Thoriq Ibrahim and UNICEF Representative to Maldives, Dr. Edward Addai with Ziyan and Rafha - the two young people who were selected to go to COP30 with the Maldives' delegation.Earlier this year, Maldives became one of the first countries in the South Asia region to finalize its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) 3.0, achieving a landmark milestone with the inclusion of inputs and perspectives of children and young people in national climate action plans. This reflects a recommendation from last year’s Youth Track to COP event, demonstrating how youth-led initiatives can contribute to meaningful policy change when supported by government and partners.“Young people are the next generation to carry the baton in the fight against climate change. It is heartwarming to see such an enthusiastic and energetic generation engaging in conversations about climate change issues, while learning how social, economic, environmental, and global political forces are interlinked in shaping the future they envision. With the right knowledge and guidance, they will be better informed, more empowered, and ready to make their voices be heard even louder,” stated the Special Envoy for Climate Change, His Excellency Ali Shareef.This year’s events reaffirmed that children and young people continue to hold onto hope and optimism for the future. They are speaking out, taking initiative, and calling for urgent action to address the climate crisis. We are committed to strengthening our efforts with the Government and partners to meaningfully engage more young people as we work together to translate national and global commitments into tangible actions and resources that uphold every child’s right to a safe and healthy future. This article is first published at UNICEF Maldives website on Young voices from Maldives appeal to leaders: Protect our future from climate changeTo learn more about the works of UNICEF Maldives Please visit I https://www.unicef.org/maldives/ 

This World Breastfeeding Week, UNICEF celebrates all mothers in Maldives, and around the world who are going through this rewarding, yet challenging journey to give their children the best start in life.Breastfeeding is one of the most powerful and cost-effective ways to support the health, nutrition, and development of young children. It provides essential nutrients, strengthens immunity, lowers the risk of childhood illnesses, and fosters a strong emotional bond between mother and child. It also helps reduce malnutrition, prevent childhood obesity, and lower long-term health care costs.In line with this, UNICEF and WHO recommend that breastfeeding begins within the first hour of birth and continues exclusively for the first six months of life. This period of exclusive breastfeeding ensures bonding between mother and child, promotes optimal sensory and cognitive development while protecting babies from both infectious and chronic diseases.In Maldives, where every child’s right to survive and thrive is at the heart of our national priorities, supporting breastfeeding is an investment in a healthier, more prosperous future.This year’s global theme, “Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems” is a powerful reminder that mothers cannot and should not be expected to go through the breastfeeding journey alone. Sustainable support means:Ensuring mothers have access to trained health workers who offer skilled, empathetic counselling from the early moments after birth and throughout the breastfeeding journey.Designing workplace policies that protect maternity leave and provide time and space to breastfeed or express milk.Nurturing a community and family environment that affirms breastfeeding as the norm, not the exception.Whether at the hospital, in the office, or at home, we all have a role to play in making breastfeeding possible. Fathers play a vital role in this journey through emotional encouragement, sharing responsibilities at home, and standing with mothers every step of the way.At UNICEF, we are proud to support the Government, healthcare providers and communities to strengthen maternal and child health systems. Today and every day, we continue to advocate for strengthening the quality of antenatal and postnatal care, expanding baby friendly hospitals across the country and educating the community on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life.When we invest in strong support systems, we create a safety net that empowers every mother and increases every child’s ability to reach their full potential.On this World Breastfeeding Week, let us recommit to ensuring that no mother feels alone, no baby is left behind, and every child in Maldives receives the healthiest start in life. Let us continue to build a future where breastfeeding is supported everywhere, by everyone. This article is first published at UNICEF Maldives website on Ensuring that every child in Maldives receives the healthiest start in lifeTo learn more about the works of UNICEF Maldives Please visit | https://www.unicef.org/maldives/ 

The Maldives, as a small island developing state (SIDS) with GDP per capita reaching approximately USD 12,000 in 2025 has made notable socio-economic progress throughout few decades. This growth, however, is juxtaposed with significant economic vulnerabilities, particularly due to the country’s heavy reliance on the tourism and service sectors, which account for over 70% of GDP and 90% of exports while the COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges, causing a sharp GDP contraction of 32% in 2020. The economic vulnerabilites also served as a catalyst, emphasizing the importance of economic diversification, productivity enhancement, and building a more inclusive and resilient workforce capable of adapting to future changes.The Maldivian labour market presents a dynamic mix of steady participation rates alongside areas of opportunity for growth and inclusion. As of 2023, the labour force participation rate among individuals aged 15 and above stood at a stable 63.8 %, reflecting a solid core labour market. However, a deeper look reveals promising opportunities to better engage youth and women, as youth labour force participation is at 47.7%, with a noticeable gender gap: 54.8% of males are active compared to 39.9% of females. While the overall unemployment rate was modest 4.6% in 2024, youth unemployment is at 16.1%, highlighting the potential for targeted strategies to support young people entering the workforce. In response to the need for comprehensive and timely labour market insights, the Maldives Bureau of Statistics (MBS), in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO), launched a first standalone national Labour Force Survey (LFS) in 2024. This initiative aims to provide reliable, detailed data on employment trends, skill levels, sectoral participation, underemployment, and informality aligning with the latest statistical standards. Such data are essential for crafting evidence-based policies that address skills gaps, boost vocational and technical training, reduce reliance on foreign labour, and enhance the integration of women and youth into the formal economy.Data collection for the LFS commenced in late 2024, with interviews conducted across key population centers, including the Greater Malé Region, throughout the second quarter of 2025. This survey forms part of the broader ILO’s Decent Work Agenda, which aim to strengthens national statistical systems and supports sustainable development planning in the Maldives. Beyond its technical merits, the LFS stands as a vital strategic tool that will empower policymakers to develop evidence based, responsive, inclusive employment strategies to tackle the labour market anomalies in the Maldives. Ultimately, the survey will contribute to build a stronger, more equitable labour market, one that not only meets the aspirations of Maldivians but also positions the country to thrive within the evolving global economy.

The ‘Civil-Military Workshop on Health Emergency Preparedness’, held from 18-19 June 2025, marked a significant step in strengthening the Maldives' health response capacity. Organized by WHO in collaboration with Health Protection Agency, this workshop aimed to enhance the country’s International Health Regulations (IHR) core capacities, integrating lessons learned from past health emergencies, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic. The workshop underscored the crucial role of seamless coordination between civil and military entities, especially in an island nation like the Maldives. The pandemic revealed the gaps in coordination and highlighted how military assets, such as logistics, personnel, infrastructure, and specialized medical expertise; are indispensable in responding to health crises. This was especially apparent in the Maldives’ pandemic response, where the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) and Maldives Police Service (MPS) played critical roles in ensuring effective health emergency operations.
  These organizations' unique capabilities, including their extensive reach across the islands, were acknowledged as vital for logistics, transportation, security, and public information dissemination during crises. The workshop focused on building these strengths into a more systematic, integrated approach to health emergency preparedness. Participants learned to use tools like the Civil-Military Health Security Mapping (CMAP) to identify areas for improvement and strengthen future collaborations. The workshop was a collective effort to develop a clear, unified roadmap for civil-military cooperation, ensuring faster and more effective responses to future health emergencies. WHO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Maldives in this endeavor, recognizing the importance of having military and civil entities work seamlessly together to safeguard public health.The participation of key representatives from the Maldives National Defense Force, Maldives Police Service, and the Ministry of Health significantly contributed to the workshop's success. WHO Representative Ms Payden expressed her heartfelt appreciation to the participants and experts from WHO Headquarters and the South-East Asia Regional Office for their unwavering dedication and support in ensuring the workshop’s fruitful outcome. This workshop has laid the foundation for stronger collaboration and coordination, ensuring that, in the face of future emergencies, the Maldives will be equipped with a seamless and rapid-response framework to safeguard public health. By transforming the lessons learned from COVID-19 into concrete, integrated action, WHO is providing essential support towards strengthening the country's IHR capacities but also building a resilient health system.  This article is first published at WHO Maldives website on Enhancing Health Emergency response through Civil-Military collaboration in MaldivesTo learn more about the works of WHO Maldives Please visit WHO Maldives | World Health Organization