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24 September 2024
International Day of Peace 2024: A Cohesive Digital Sphere in the Maldives
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Speech
24 September 2024
Opening Remarks by Interim UN Resident Coordinator Mr. Bradley J. Busetto at the Event Held to Mark World Peace Day 2024
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Speech
11 September 2024
Closing Remarks by Minister of Foreign Affairs His Excellency Moosa Zameer at the Summit of the Future National Side Event: A Vision for an Intelligence-driven Future for the Maldives
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Latest
The Sustainable Development Goals in Maldives
The Sustainable Development Goals are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the global challenges we face, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice.
Publication
16 August 2023
The Common Country Analysis (CCA) Maldives - June 2023
The Common Country Analysis (CCA) is designed to reflect the United Nations integrated, forward-looking and evidence-based joint analysis of the context for sustainable development in the Maldives, in view of achieving the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and as a basis for the UN programmatic support through the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). The analysis is premised on the overall commitment to Leaving No One Behind (LNOB), the UN Charter and international norms and standards.
This report represents the first building block of the analysis, which will involve a continuous process of revision and adaptation as the context evolves and new evidence is made available. Four main data collection methodologies were utilized in the preparation of this document:
1. Analytical inputs from UN entities, resident and non- resident, with reference to their specific areas of expertise and mandate. These were collected through two main tools: mandate-specific data collection on topics of relevance to the agencies and a questionnaire on cross-cutting issues to capture entities’ perspectives on areas considered to be outside their core mandate, identifying synergies and trade-offs.
2. Semi-structured interviews with key informants. Interviewees included resident and non-resident UN entities, including those outside of the current United Nations Country Team (UNCT), International Financial Institutions (IFIs), government officials and other stakeholders.
3. A risk matrix through which UNCT member entities were surveyed to provide a quantitative assessment of the major risks and their potential impact on the future sustainable development of the country.
4. Desk review of existing country and sectoral studies and retrieval of statistical data from national and international sources, including government plans and reports.
Data and information have been disaggregated to the extent possible. The CCA highlights the data gaps, noting the need to strengthen capacity to collect data and continuously fill the gaps through future assessment. Targeted analysis has been undertaken by each of the UN agencies in line with their mandate. The greatest limitation to the CCA has been gaps in data to support comprehensive thematic analyses, or to map national realities against SDG targets. Secondly, there is a severe limitation in the availability of data disaggregated geographically, by gender, age, and other relevant characteristics in the Maldives.
Some of the guiding principles used in this document include the concept of Leaving No One Behind (LNOB) and the Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA). Other principles that are reflected throughout the document are a focus on gender analysis and women’s empowerment, as well as the pursuit of (environmental) sustainability, associated with building up resilience.
The report is meant to be a concise, yet comprehensive, overview of the country’s challenges and opportunities to achieve the 2030 Agenda. Particular focus was placed on identifying intersectoral and transformative opportunities that could be seized for future joint planning and to unlock the country’s potential to achieve the SDGs. With less than a decade remaining until 2030, the time for action is now and all sectors in society need to be engaged.
The preliminary findings of the CCA published in March 2020 were validated by UN and national stakeholders at a workshop. Extensive comments on the draft CCA were also made by the regional Peer Support Group. With the COVID-19 pandemic and given how it has significantly impacted the Maldives, UNCT decided that the CCA would need to be significantly rewritten before UNSDCF process starts. This work was done internally, under the Resident Coordinator Office (RCO)’s facilitation, with inputs from all resident and non-resident UN agencies in the Maldives. The process took place in the last quarter of 2020 and the final version was endorsed by UNCT in January 2021. It is this version of the CCA that formed the basis of our analysis for the development of the UNSDCF. UN agencies, funds and programmes based in the Maldives and beyond contributed to this review. The CCA is a living document, updated regularly as required3, to assure that the UNSDCF the UN’s analysis of key issues remains current. The present report is being updated with new data / analysis we have gathered during the year and ensure that our analysis is still up to date.
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Press Release
22 March 2023
MALDIVES INTEGRATED NATIONAL FINANCING FRAMEWORK (INFF)
Malé, March 21, 2023: The Maldives Minister of Finance has formally endorsed the Maldives Integrated National Financing Framework (INFF). The Maldives INFF delivers a comprehensive financing strategy on climate action and provides a set of highly action-oriented strategies to unlock both domestic and external resources; from the private sector, international financing institutions, philanthropic, and impact and cause-driven sources of financing, to augment and scale-up existing public sources of financing towards climate and social sector financing needs.
The strategy aims to support the financing of the Maldives Strategic Action Plan (2019-2023), Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and other national and sectoral development plans to enable the achievement of the national and international climate and sustainable development commitments made by the country. The INFF is a core priority identified in the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2022-2026 between the UN and the Government of Maldives. The financing strategy puts achieving gender-equality at the heart of all financing actions, as an important cross-cutting theme and provides specific policy options to ensure that the actions proposed under the strategy are gender-sensitive.
Following the launch of the INFF, Minister of Finance Ibrahim Ameer announced the intention to establish the Maldives Climate Finance Hub (MCFH) within the Ministry of Finance, with the technical assistance of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), as the primary mechanism to implement the financing strategy and provide overall technical expertise to the Ministry of Finance and other relevant sector ministries and agencies on climate finance matters. An Advisory Board will be established with representation from national and international stakeholders, to provide advice and guidance to the MCFH.
The INFF is a global UN initiative being implemented in more than 86 countries worldwide to finance National Development Plans (NDPs) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). There are currently 18 Small Developing Island States (SIDS) developing their own INFFs and today, the Maldives becomes the first SIDS country to develop and formally endorse an INFF and financing strategy.
Speaking at the INFF launch, Minister Ameer stated, “This financing strategy will advance the Maldives climate agenda, to transform our economy away from fossil fuel dependency, strengthen resilience to external shocks, and drive existing and new investments towards sustainable and inclusive growth.”
The development of the Maldives INFF began under the leadership of the Ministry of Finance in June 2020. Through a United Nations Joint Programme led by the UN Resident Coordinator, UNDP Maldives provided technical advisory to the Ministry of Finance to develop the INFF. The process of INFF development was spearheaded by a high-level Steering Committee consisting of 13 Government agencies, co-chaired by the Honorable Minister of Finance of the Maldives, Ibrahim Ameer and by the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Catherine Haswell. The INFF is the result of an extensive consultative process whereby, stakeholders from public, private, NGOs, industry bodies and IFIs provided support and input.
United Nations Resident Coordinator Catherine Haswell noted the importance of the delivery of this work, in the context of intergovernmental negotiations for the next COP on Climate Action in Egypt in November 2023, the currently ongoing meeting on the Global Goal for Adaptation (GGA) being hosted by the Maldives, the 2023 UN Water Conference (22-24 March), and the SDG Summit in New York in September. Moreover, it is a critical piece which demonstrates the expertise and role of the UN in upper middle-income countries as a provider of integrated policy advice with the potential to unlock a series of portfolios which can accelerate delivery of the 2030 Agenda.
UNDP Resident Representative in the Maldives, Enrico Gaveglia congratulated Minister Ameer, and stated, “You have often been confronted with denial of market access because of unfavorable demographic accounting or the so-called economies of scale. I can assure you, if we all manage to put a value tag to your natural resources, you’d leapfrog to be the holder of a global natural asset that shall be safeguarded with all our efforts simply because it benefits all – you in Maldives and elsewhere.”
This collaboration between United Nations and the Ministry of Finance continues the value-added joint effort in enhancing the parallel implementation of the Maldives’ development agenda, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Gender-Responsive Integrated Climate Financing Strategy endorsed by the Government of Maldives can be accessed at https://www.finance.gov.mv/public/attachments/lzyzZHIHy0ZWB7Yl17aw16YkFhE5o8DfVxThmruO.pdf
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Publication
30 March 2024
UN Maldives Annual Results Report 2023
The Annual Results Report offers a broad overview of how the UN Country Team has advanced the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on a significant scale, collaborating with the government, private sector, and civil society. Each of the 14 UN agencies contributes unique expertise, collectively making comprehensive contributions to Maldives United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. Through this framework, the UN provides technical, normative, and policy solutions to assist Maldives in becoming a more equitable, inclusive, and prosperous nation in accordance with its national priorities.
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Story
07 October 2024
International Day of Peace 2024: A Cohesive Digital Sphere in the Maldives
The United Nations in the Maldives, in partnership with Maldives National University (MNU), commemorated the International Day of Peace 2024 by focusing on the theme of “Fostering a Culture of Peace in the Digital Sphere.” The event, hosted at MNU on 24 September 2024, brought together a wide range of stakeholders including government, diplomatic missions, civil society, the tech industry, academia and youth, to discuss the importance of creating a cohesive and safe digital space in the Maldives.In his opening remarks, Interim Resident Coordinator Mr. Bradley Busetto noted the UN Secretary General’s statement to mark Peace Day had noted that “everywhere we look, peace is under attack” as conflicts exacerbate around the world. As such, he observed that there was no better time to reflect on the actions we all need to take within society to foster and maintain a ‘culture of peace’. He also noted it was especially apt that the theme of the event focuses on fostering a culture of peace in the digital sphere just as the Summit of the Future in New York is concluding. At a side-event in the run up to the Summit, co-hosted by the government and the UN, President Dr. Muizzu outlined his vision for an ‘intelligence-driven future” for the Maldives and for SIDS (or Small Island Developing States) countries in general. A key feature of the event was a panel discussion followed by a live Q&A session. The panel explored how the Maldives can continue to further digital connectivity while fostering social cohesion and maintaining a culture of peace. The distinguished panel included the Information Commissioner of the Maldives, Uz. Ahmed Ahid Rasheed, civil society representative and Associate Member of Women in Tech Maldives Ms. Nazha Ibrahim, and two panelists representing the MNU student body, Ms. Hawwa Dheema Adnan BA student (Political Science and International Relations) and Mr. Leevaan Ali Nasir BA student (Journalism) and career journalist. The panel’s wide-ranging conversation focused on enhancing social cohesion through promoting ethical journalism, tackling online misinformation, mitigating serious digital harms including hate speech and Tech-enabled Gender Based Violence (TE-GBV), while reflecting on H.E. President Dr. Muizzu's vision for an intelligence-driven future that emphasizes digital inclusion for all residents.Noting the rapid dissemination of misinformation and disinformation online, the Information Commissioner called for greater access to credible information to improve information integrity. MNU student and journalist Mr. Leevan flagged the role of ethical journalism and verifying information before sharing or publishing online. Women in Tech representative Ms. Nazha highlighted the challenges of inaction or lack of timely action by social media platforms to prevent digital harms. MNU student Ms. Dheema was among the panelists who emphasized the importance of promoting digital literacy to combat these issues, noting that empowering youth was insufficient as senior citizens also struggled to identify credible sources in a rapidly changing information environment. Panelists also underlined the need for implementing human rights compliant policies and regulations to ensure a safe and inclusive digital sphere for all.In line with the Maldives' broader focus on digital transformation, the event reflected the government’s commitment to creating an inclusive, intelligence-driven society, as discussed during the recent SIDS4 Conference and the Summit of the Future. The panel’s discussions aligned with international efforts such as the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech, underscoring the need for collaboration among governments, civil society, and the private sector to address the complex peace issues of the digital age.The event’s partnership with MNU also highlighted the role of youth in shaping the future of digital engagement in the Maldives. The event was also unique in being a ‘student-led’ event with UN Maldives and MNU faculty support, reflecting the university’s commitment to empowering young people to take an active role in national dialogues about social cohesion, peace, and digital literacy.The panel discussion provided a timely and valuable platform for key stakeholders to reflect on how the Maldives could build a more cohesive and peaceful society that enjoys the full benefits of digital connectivity with an inclusive and conflict-sensitive approach. As the country continues to embrace digitalization, ensuring that peace, inclusion, and human rights remain central to this transformation will be vital for the nation’s digital future.
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Story
10 June 2024
OpEd: World Environmental Day: For island states, both communities and the ocean must be protected from the climate emergency
World Environment Day is celebrated every year on 5 June and represents a global effort to raise awareness and encourage action for the environment. Here in the Maldives, this is an opportunity to reflect on our accomplishments and renew our resolve to overcome the many challenges that threaten our environment and our island communities today.Maldives is acutely vulnerable to the climate crisis, its low-lying islands are directly threatened by sea-level rise and exposed to the increased climate-affected weather conditions, storms and flooding that Maldives communities are experiencing now. What happens to the Maldives because of the human-induced global climate emergency is also the fate of the world; more than just the Maldives' fight for survival, the lessons learned, and the methods applied in this small island state will be of use for all countries and states, big and small, facing a common global heating threat.The Government of the Maldives has been working to address and adapt to the challenges of the climate crisis as they affect the people and ocean-side communities of Maldives, people who seek better lives and the opportunity to offer their families and children better homes, livelihoods and lifestyles that have come before. The United Nations is a steady partner in the government's efforts to make a better world possible.One important pathway is through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – 17 goals, 169 targets, 247 different indicators – a ready-set, collective recipe for a better world, endorsed by the nations and states of the world through the United Nations, and welcomed by the Maldives government as offering benchmarks for progress in the collective health and well-being of the people of the Maldives and insuring the protection of our environment and the ocean around us.Green EnergyA critical issue for the Maldives is to reduce the use of expensive diesel fuel for energy production and transport between the many distant atolls and island communities. Less diesel fuel use is a win-win: fewer carbon emissions and less foreign exchange spent on costly imported fuel, now the equivalent of 13.5 percent of GDP. International investment is urgently needed to scale-up commercial, private-sector supported solar and other renewable energy sources for Male and other urban areas, for smaller island communities, and resorts. Meeting the Government's goal of 33 percent green energy supply by 2028 is a key priority this Environment Day.Waste and Ocean PlasticsMaldives has long recognized the inherent limits of small island states where people rely on imported foods and goods. Disposing of waste safely and reducing the amounts of waste that are generated are critical goals for improving the lives of Maldives coastal communities. The Ministry has been vocal about Parliament's decision to reduce the fee on plastic bags being an impediment to the government's efforts to achieve its goals of phasing out plastic usage.The global threat of plastic waste and litter floating in our oceans is a problem that lands literally on the front mats of the Maldives and imperils the unspoiled beauty of Maldives world-class tourist resorts.Climate EmergencySeeking climate financing from global capital funds is essential for the Maldives, on the front line of a rapidly changing climate, changing monsoon patterns and sea-level rise. The need for external climate financing is a moral imperative, for an island state that did not bring about global warming, as the President recently noted at the United Nations Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) conference in Antigua.Looking forward, the Government and the United Nations offer strong support for new initiatives to protect Maldives unique environment of atolls and islands and to further strengthen Maldives emerging role as a center for environmental knowledge.BiodiversityThe broad biodiversity of Maldives coastal and marine life is the key to the resilience of the interconnected communities of the Maldives, through fisheries, vegetation and economic livelihoods; the Maldives can act as a global laboratory both for oceanic health and for the immediate and dynamic effects of climate change.TourismMaldives' world-class tourism and its growing importance for the Maldives economy offers challenges and opportunities: reducing the increasing reliance on diesel and fossil fuel sources is a critical must, building a sustainable model for tourist resorts and infrastructure through green energy, reduction of waste and switching to bio or renewable fuels means the Maldives can become a gold-standard for sustainable tourism and offer a blueprint for the global tourist sector.First InitiativeThe UN, with the Govt Ministries of the Environment and Tourism, could host an international conference on sustainable tourism, identifying pathways toward green fuel sources and net zero carbon tourism taking forward the energy and enthusiasm of the SIDS4 conference.The Maldives, very early on, understood the delicate balance the nation must take on the path to development. Our delicate ecosystems and islands must strike a balance with our very aspirational developmental goals. The Maldives has a proud history of advocating for climate and environmental issues. We will continue this proud tradition.Under the stewardship of His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy is spearheading several ambitious plans for our environment.Yesterday, Maldives saw the launch of a national program to plant five million trees within five years. This is in line with our aims of achieving resilience, carbon goals, improving economic livelihoods, and protecting our environment.President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef, Second Lady Aishath Afreen, Parliament Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdullah, Cabinet Ministers, Ambassadors appointed to the Maldives and the United Nations Resident Coordinator planted trees that were either rare or very rare in the country.Maldives also launched a national waste management policy and strategy plan. The Magey Saafu Raajje plan is a holistic plan that focuses on addressing the root causes of waste, while at the same time addressing the critical waste management issues.The Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy also launched the CLEAN program and the initiative towards improving the environment-economics statistics in collaboration with the UN development system and our partners. These two initiatives will harness the energy, creativity, and commitment of our children and youth to bring more climate-forward future leaders while bringing to the forefront more evidence-based decision making for the environment and climate action. We are hopeful that these initiatives will promote a clean environment, with our youth learning invaluable lessons in responsibility, innovation, and community spirit.These initiatives launched today, combined with the immense portfolio the Ministry is responsible for heralds a fresh chapter in sustainable development for the Maldives in collaboration with our development partners.The road ahead for the Maldives is clear and quite optimistic in protecting its environment. Maldives will continue to lead the way as a laboratory for other small island states and for all countries facing the climate threat. This underscores the vital importance of fostering existing and new partnerships as well as developing our capacity and resiliency in facing climate induced hardships.In this regard, partner nations and agencies such as the United Nations, contribute a dynamic role in the tapestry of Maldives. Our heartfelt thanks go to these parties.This Environment Day, we look forward to broadening and deepening these ties with United Nations and partner agencies, for the betterment of the Maldives. Initially published on: https://edition.mv
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Story
08 June 2024
Op-Ed: World Ocean Day — How the Maldives Can Lead the Charge for Global Change
The ocean is our lifeline, covering 70 per cent of the earth, providing shelter for millions of marine species and offering humankind immense resources. The Maldives – 500,000 people living in ocean-side communities across an archipelago of 26 atolls and 1,192 islands – demonstrate the challenges of living within an ocean world and its vast potential.Every year on June 8, we celebrate World Ocean Day, raising global awareness of the benefits we derive from the ocean and our individual and collective duty to use its resources sustainably. We recognise the importance of the blue economy to small island states like the Maldives and must ensure that the ocean is not only our treasured history but also part of our healthy and prosperous future.How can we assist the Maldives in meeting the increasing dangers of the climate crisis and strengthening its relationship with the ocean? Our two organisations, one led by the world’s nations and states, and one led by people, seek to help the Maldives further its expressed interests in fighting climate change and preserving and protecting our threatened ocean. At the just concluded United Nations 4th Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) Conference in Antigua, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu directly addressed these challenges, calling for international public and private sector finance to invest in Maldives – to provide urgently needed climate financing for new green energy sources and to fund climate protections for communities and islands threatened by rising sea levels. Recognising the precarious state of our oceans due to human consumption patterns and global heating, the President also recently ordered a pause on the construction of critically needed infrastructure over concerns about high-water temperatures and coral bleaching in nearby waters. Heeding the President’s call, the UN and Ocean Generation are prepared to assist the Maldives in offering solutions for the challenges faced by one of the most climate-vulnerable states in the world: Green Energy: A critical issue for the Maldives is reducing the use of expensive diesel fuel for energy production and transport between distant atolls and island communities. Less diesel fuel use is a win-win: fewer carbon emissions and less foreign exchange spent on costly imported fuel, now the equivalent of 10 per cent of GDP. International investment is urgently needed to scale up commercial, private-sector-supported solar and other renewable energy sources for Male and other urban areas, smaller island communities, and resorts. Meeting the Government’s goal of 33 per cent green energy supply by 2028 is a key priority. Waste and Ocean Plastics: Maldives has long recognised the inherent limits of small island states where people rely on imported foods and goods. Disposing of waste safely and reducing the amounts of waste generated are critical goals for improving the lives of Maldives’ coastal communities. Most importantly, reducing the importing of single-use, throwaway plastics into the Maldives and ultimately into our ocean will add to the ocean plastics that already wash up on the shores of Maldives atolls.We cannot rely on recycling to address our plastic waste problem. Only 13 per cent of global plastic is recycled, and of that 13 per cent, only 1 per cent is re-used through the system again, for a total of 0.0013 per cent globally. This means that even the plastic that does get recycled will eventually end up in landfills, being burned, or in the environment.Plastic is a wonderful material for many reasons. It has even saved nature time and time again. We have given talks in schools around the world where pupils sit on plastic chairs. How many trees would have been felled if we were still making our furniture out of wood? Turtle shell was once used to make eyeglasses, tea caddies, soap boxes, and all kinds of things. Plastic may well have played a role in saving sea turtles, particularly the Hawksbill, which has a beautiful, patterned shell.Global plastic production is currently around 420 million metric tonnes per year, half of which is destined for single use. Plastic producers estimate that production will reach 1.8 billion by 2050 (source: Plastics Europe).Single-use plastic is invaluable in medicine, but our ‘addiction’ to plastic bags, bottled water, straws, non-refillable lighters and other ‘disposable’ items must be addressed. We welcome the Maldives Ministry of the Environment’s efforts to increase fees on plastic bags as essential to the national goal of phasing out plastic usage.The more we learn about the ocean, the more we will love it and want to protect it. People of the Maldives already know this: the ocean offers the greatest hope for humanity’s survival. Education for all ages, not just young people, generates a caring ethos worldwide. We need our children to grow up knowing that the ocean provides more than half of the oxygen we need and absorbs much of the CO2 we produce. It is our ‘life support system.’The ocean is our biggest ally in climate change, especially when it comes to absorbing heat. The global average temperature currently sits at 15 degrees C, if the ocean weren’t busy absorbing the heat we produce, that average would be closer to 50 degrees C. Protecting the ocean should be in our DNA.We still have time to ensure a safe and healthy future for our ocean. Never before have we had so much information. We understand where we have made mistakes in the past. We have all the science we need, and we know what the solutions are. Our challenge is bringing governments and corporations on board, and that is still achievable.The United Nations and Ocean Generation believe that the lessons of the Maldives can help all island states and, directly, the people of all communities and states worldwide. The climate initiatives that can transform the Maldives economy can light the path for the entire world. Scaled up, efforts to reduce fossil fuel use and to end the world’s throwaway consumer culture can serve as effective change models to protect our ocean and rescue our planet. Bradley Busetto is the UN Resident Coordinator in the Maldives and Jo Ruxton, MBE, is the founder of Ocean Generation, an organization working to restore a healthy relationship between people and the ocean.Learn more about the Ocean Generation at: https://oceangeneration.orgInitially published on https://www.plus.mv
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02 June 2024
UNICEF's Positive Parenting Programme, Beleniveriyaa, Shaping the Future of Maldives
The Maldives, a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) grappling with numerous challenges, is committed to ensuring the rights and well-being of its future generation. With a child population of approximately 128,635 (about 25% of the total population), Maldives faces unique challenges related to child well-being and development. Despite its status as an upper-middle-income nation, the Maldives grapples with the challenges of inequalities, vulnerabilities among children, impacts of climate change, and inefficiencies in social service delivery. This has led to heightened mental health issues, disruptions in education, a rise in violence, and environmental degradation, emphasizing the critical importance of addressing climate change.Amidst all the challenges, UNICEF Maldives stands out with steadfast dedication, to safeguard the children's rights and promote their overall development. Through a focus on education, healthcare, child protection, and social inclusivity, UNICEF Maldives is implementing 8 Flagship ProgrammesThe flagships are designed to create a Maldives fit for children and children fit for Maldives. The 8 Flagships Programs includes Beleniveriyaa; Positive Parenting, Transforming Education, Kihineh; Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Climate Smart and Resilient Actions, IBAMA; Caring Island Communities, Rakkaatheri; Preventing Violence Against Children, Kaigen Hingamaa; Promoting Health and NutritionDeveloping & Engaging Young People.These initiatives aim to promote the survival, development, and well-being of all children, regardless of where they live or their level of income. Additionally, they aim to empower children to achieve their physical, cognitive, social, and emotional developmental milestones, live with hope and dignity, engage actively, and contribute meaningfully to the country’s development and sustainability. One of the significant Flagships of this program is the Positive Parenting Programme, “Beleniveriyaa”. The Beleniveriyaa Programme is designed to support parents and caregivers, providing them with the necessary knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors to offer age-appropriate and culturally responsive care. Implemented within the evolving family structure of the Maldives, the programme addresses the challenges faced by families in balancing modern-day demands with traditional family roles. This includes maintaining livelihoods while ensuring the provision of a safe, loving, and supportive environment for children, as well as fulfilling their rights to health, care, education, and recreation.Parenting in the Maldives, like in many parts of the world, faces complexities due to various factors such as evolving cultural norms, shifting family dynamics, dual-working parents, limited childcare options, economic shifts, technological advancements, globalization, and environmental concerns. These factors shape the parental approaches to child-care, influencing aspects like education and lifestyle decisions. Consequently, these challenges make youth more vulnerable to issues like drug abuse, crime, gang involvement, and societal unrest. Despite the crucial need for early stimulation and nurturing care, there's a lack of comprehensive parenting programs, leaving families without adequate guidance and support. Parenting in the Maldives, like in many parts of the world, faces complexities due to various factors such as evolving cultural norms, shifting family dynamics, dual-working parents, limited childcare options, economic shifts, technological advancements, globalization, and environmental concerns. These factors shape the parental approaches to child-care, influencing aspects like education and lifestyle decisions. Consequently, these challenges make youth more vulnerable to issues like drug abuse, crime, gang involvement, and societal unrest. Despite the crucial need for early stimulation and nurturing care, there's a lack of comprehensive parenting programs, leaving families without adequate guidance and support.The island-based Social and Behavior Change Parenting Programme aims to address pressing needs for enhanced positive parenting practices in the Maldives. Through collaboration with diverse stakeholders such as community health workers, social workers, teachers, IBAMA (an integrated safety net for the vulnerable) members, Women’s Development Committees, neighborhood police, and civil society organizations, the program seeks to raise awareness about effective parenting. It also endeavors to equip parents and caregivers with essential knowledge and skills while establishing a supportive network for age-appropriate and responsive parenting. Central to its objectives are advocating for age-appropriate parenting policies, developing comprehensive intervention packages, and providing tools to facilitate the implementation of the Positive Parenting Programme. Through evidence-based approaches, the initiative strives to foster healthier family dynamics and contribute to the overall well-being of children and communities across the islands. The next steps in the rollout of the Beleniveriyaa flagship programme is validating and finalizing the parenting modules developed for parents of different age groups with implementing partners including the Government, led by the Ministry of Education, civil society, young people and other relevant partners. Following the finalization of a standardized set of modules which aim to equip parents with knowledge skills and tools on positive parenting, the next phase of this programme will focus on training facilitators from all islands across Maldives to deliver this content to parents. Through these collaborative efforts, the UN Maldives strives to offer extensive support to children and families throughout the nation. The Positive Parenting programme- Beleniveriyaa, endeavors to cultivate positive parenting approaches, fostering an environment where children can flourish. By highlighting the impact of parental role modeling, the program encourages the practice of virtues such as patience, kindness, honesty, and integrity, all fundamental for the holistic development of children
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22 May 2024
Maldives Prepares to Address Economic Vulnerabilities, Urgent Fiscal Reforms Critical to Mitigate Risks
The Maldives Development Update (MDU) has two main goals. First, it takes the pulse of the Maldivian economy by providing key developments over the past 12 months. Placing these in a global context, and based on these recent developments, it analyzes the outlook over the medium term. Second, every other edition of the MDU provides a more in-depth investigation of selected economic and policy issues. It has a wide audience including policymakers, policy analysts from think tanks or non-governmental organizations, and business and financial sector professionals interested in Maldives’ economic development. Click here to download the latest Maldives Development Update (May, 2024).RECENT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTSIn 2023, the number of tourist arrivals reached a record-breaking figure of 1.88 million. Nevertheless, this did not result in higher GDP growth due to lower per-tourist spending and shorter stays. The Maldivian economy is estimated to have grown by 4% in 2023. Domestic inflation, at 2.9% in 2023, remained higher than the historical average of 0.5%. Price increases were experienced in the food, education, restaurant, and lodging services sectors. Food inflation could increase poverty by 0.4 percentage points, with atolls experiencing even higher rates.Travel export receipts fell 6.8%, while merchandise imports remained elevated at $3.5 billion. This resulted in a current account deficit of 23.4% of GDP. High import costs and external debt repayments also weighed heavily on gross reserves, which fell to $551.1 million in January 2024.
Failure to implement planned subsidy reforms, combined with rising recurrent and capital spending, resulted in a sharp increase in total expenditure and a fiscal deficit of 13.2% of GDP in 2023.CHALLENGESTourism, which accounts for a quarter of the Maldives' economy, has experienced slower growth in 2023 due to a decline in average duration of stay and lower tourist spending. This slowdown has exposed underlying economic vulnerabilities in the Maldives.These vulnerabilities stem from persistent large current account and fiscal deficits. The country relies heavily on imports while having limited official reserves, creating an unsustainable imbalance. Government support for struggling state-owned enterprises (SOEs), along with blanket subsidies, high capital spending, and a public health program, further exacerbate these pressures.While these subsidies and in-kind transfers are crucial for boosting household incomes, their unsustainable nature raises concerns. When fiscal pressures mount, the Maldivian people's well-being could be negatively impacted. Additionally, infrastructure projects, although promising long-term growth, were financed through non-concessional external borrowing and sovereign guarantees. The rising cost of borrowing abroad has forced the government to turn towards domestic sources, increasing the domestic financial sector’s vulnerability to government debt.The government recently announced its commitment to a fiscal reform agenda to address these economic vulnerabilities. This agenda includes reforms to subsidies, SOEs, the public health insurance scheme (Aasandha), and reprioritizing capital spending. These reforms offer a path towards a more resilient Maldivian economy.OUTLOOKThe economy is projected to grow by 4.7% over the medium-term, supported by tourism, a decrease from the pre-pandemic average of 7.4%. This growth is based on expected fiscal adjustments, including subsidy reforms and reduced public expenditure and investments. This slowdown also means slower poverty reduction in 2024.The fiscal deficit is expected to remain high in 2024 due to ambitious spending plans .The proposed fiscal reform package is expected to help but a more sustainable fiscal path requires a larger adjustment, particularly through cuts in non-essential capital and untargeted recurrent spending.Inflation is expected to rise due to the removal of blanket subsidies, potentially driving poverty by 2.5 percentage points. The current account deficit is expected to remain high due to commodity price pressures and capital imports for infrastructure projects. Rising external financing needs, including debt servicing, are expected to sustain pressure on foreign exchange reserves.Major downside risks include a shock to the tourism sector, limited domestic and external financing, and a widening current account deficit. To maintain macroeconomic stability, a major fiscal adjustment and a multi-year reform plan are required, along with a targeted transfer mechanism to offset welfare losses among vulnerable groups.Implementing the government's fiscal reform agenda is essential to sustaining economic growth in Maldives. The World Bank remains committed to supporting Maldives in these reform efforts. This includes developing a targeted mechanism to support the poor and the vulnerable, phasing out the broad-based subsidy system that is currently inefficient, addressing weaknesses in state-owned enterprises, enhancing the efficiency of health spending, and improving the strategic planning of investments.Faris Hadad-ZervosWorld Bank Country Director for Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka Originally Posted on Maldives Development Update 2024 (worldbank.org)
Failure to implement planned subsidy reforms, combined with rising recurrent and capital spending, resulted in a sharp increase in total expenditure and a fiscal deficit of 13.2% of GDP in 2023.CHALLENGESTourism, which accounts for a quarter of the Maldives' economy, has experienced slower growth in 2023 due to a decline in average duration of stay and lower tourist spending. This slowdown has exposed underlying economic vulnerabilities in the Maldives.These vulnerabilities stem from persistent large current account and fiscal deficits. The country relies heavily on imports while having limited official reserves, creating an unsustainable imbalance. Government support for struggling state-owned enterprises (SOEs), along with blanket subsidies, high capital spending, and a public health program, further exacerbate these pressures.While these subsidies and in-kind transfers are crucial for boosting household incomes, their unsustainable nature raises concerns. When fiscal pressures mount, the Maldivian people's well-being could be negatively impacted. Additionally, infrastructure projects, although promising long-term growth, were financed through non-concessional external borrowing and sovereign guarantees. The rising cost of borrowing abroad has forced the government to turn towards domestic sources, increasing the domestic financial sector’s vulnerability to government debt.The government recently announced its commitment to a fiscal reform agenda to address these economic vulnerabilities. This agenda includes reforms to subsidies, SOEs, the public health insurance scheme (Aasandha), and reprioritizing capital spending. These reforms offer a path towards a more resilient Maldivian economy.OUTLOOKThe economy is projected to grow by 4.7% over the medium-term, supported by tourism, a decrease from the pre-pandemic average of 7.4%. This growth is based on expected fiscal adjustments, including subsidy reforms and reduced public expenditure and investments. This slowdown also means slower poverty reduction in 2024.The fiscal deficit is expected to remain high in 2024 due to ambitious spending plans .The proposed fiscal reform package is expected to help but a more sustainable fiscal path requires a larger adjustment, particularly through cuts in non-essential capital and untargeted recurrent spending.Inflation is expected to rise due to the removal of blanket subsidies, potentially driving poverty by 2.5 percentage points. The current account deficit is expected to remain high due to commodity price pressures and capital imports for infrastructure projects. Rising external financing needs, including debt servicing, are expected to sustain pressure on foreign exchange reserves.Major downside risks include a shock to the tourism sector, limited domestic and external financing, and a widening current account deficit. To maintain macroeconomic stability, a major fiscal adjustment and a multi-year reform plan are required, along with a targeted transfer mechanism to offset welfare losses among vulnerable groups.Implementing the government's fiscal reform agenda is essential to sustaining economic growth in Maldives. The World Bank remains committed to supporting Maldives in these reform efforts. This includes developing a targeted mechanism to support the poor and the vulnerable, phasing out the broad-based subsidy system that is currently inefficient, addressing weaknesses in state-owned enterprises, enhancing the efficiency of health spending, and improving the strategic planning of investments.Faris Hadad-ZervosWorld Bank Country Director for Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka Originally Posted on Maldives Development Update 2024 (worldbank.org)
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Press Release
10 September 2024
Digitalisation takes the Centre Stage in the Summit of the Future National Side Event Co-hosted by the Government of Maldives and the United Nations
The event was co-hosted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Mr. Moosa Zameer and interim UN Resident Coordinator Mr. Bradley James Busetto. The event featured keynote addresses by President of the Maldives His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, and an eminent Global Tech Leader and Innovation Ecosystem Builder Mr. Steve Leonard. In his keynote address, President Dr. Muizzu stated that, “looking ahead, our vision is clear: A Maldives where every citizen, every business, and every institution is digitally empowered. We are building a digital economy that is inclusive, innovative, affordable, and sustainable.” Furthermore, the President’s remarks reflected the Maldives’ broader strategy of aligning national initiatives with global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, particularly in areas of digital connectivity and innovation. The event’s international speaker, Mr. Steve Leonard highlighted the crucial role of purpose-driven innovation stating that, “The Government can only solve important problems with hard tech built by scientists and engineers. Scientists and engineers can only solve hard problems with supportive Government funding and policies”. Following the keynote addresses, a discussion was held among an esteemed panel comprising of Minister of Housing, Land, and Urban Development H.E. Dr. Ali Haidar Ahmed, Minister of State for Homeland Security and Technology H.E. Dr. Mohamed Kinaanath leading the National Centre for Information Technology (NCIT), Dean of Centre for Research and Publication of Islamic University of Maldives Dr. Aminath Shafiya Adam, Director at Villa College Mr. Margret Vijay S. and Co-founder of Women in Tech Maldives and Chief Operating Officer at Sparkhub Ms. Aiesha Adnan. The panelists engaged in an in-depth discussion on the potential of digitalization, innovation and technology to effect transformative changes that address key development challenges.
The event also served as a vital platform for exploring how digital technologies can revolutionize key sectors of the economy, emphasizing the importance of inclusive engagement and collaboration to fully leverage the benefits of technology, digitalization and innovation. With inclusive participation by students from different universities and high schools, the event provided inspirational insights for young people on their roles and contributions in attaining an intelligence-driven future. ENDS For media inquiries or further information, please contact:Aishath Rifga Mohamed, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, phone: 3323400, email: aishath.rifga@foreign.gov.mvNajma Abdulla, UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, phone: 9966167, email: najma.abdulla@un.org
The event also served as a vital platform for exploring how digital technologies can revolutionize key sectors of the economy, emphasizing the importance of inclusive engagement and collaboration to fully leverage the benefits of technology, digitalization and innovation. With inclusive participation by students from different universities and high schools, the event provided inspirational insights for young people on their roles and contributions in attaining an intelligence-driven future. ENDS For media inquiries or further information, please contact:Aishath Rifga Mohamed, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, phone: 3323400, email: aishath.rifga@foreign.gov.mvNajma Abdulla, UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, phone: 9966167, email: najma.abdulla@un.org
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Press Release
25 April 2024
UN Expert: Maldives Stuck Between Rock and Hard Place on Climate Change Issue
The beach where I used to play, collect shells and watch sunsets no longer exists. Naff Asim, Maldivian marine biologist and youth climate activist1 Introduction Today, I conclude my ten-day visit to Maldives. Scattered like sparkling jewels across a vast swath of the Indian Ocean, the islands of Maldives are a tropical paradise. Yet Maldives faces a potentially dystopian future because of the climate emergency caused by wealthy nations and wealthy individuals. With the highest point of land only 2.5 meters above sea level, scientific projections indicate that Maldives could disappear completely beneath the ocean at some point in the future due to sea level rise. Long before that ultimate catastrophe, Maldives could become virtually uninhabitable due to the combined impacts of sea level rise, floods, coastal erosion, increased frequency of extreme weather events (e.g., cyclones, thunderstorms, storm surges, and strong winds), severe heat, intense and unpredictable rainfall patterns, extended dry seasons, saltwater contamination of freshwater and agricultural lands, increased sea surface temperatures, vector borne diseases, ocean acidification, and coral bleaching. These devastating present and future impacts of the climate emergency on the Maldives and other small island states are described in detail in the most recent report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.2 Atoll nations, including Maldives, are among the most vulnerable places on Earth because of their low elevation, small land area, 360°-exposure to waves, limited fresh water supplies, fragile ecosystems, high population densities and limited technical, financial and human resources. Sea level rise is accelerating, with dire consequences.3 As a rule of thumb, every 10 cm of sea level rise triples the frequency of coastal flooding and leads to a 10-meter retreat of unprotected coastlines.4 By the end of this century, Maldives could be experiencing one-in-100-year coastal floods annually and infrastructure within 100 meters of the coast would be extremely vulnerable to inundation and damage. Maldives consists of 26 natural atolls comprising approximately 1,190 islands, which are grouped into 20 administrative units. Although often described as a Small Island State, Maldives could also be considered a Big Ocean State, as 99 percent of its total territory is marine, while only 1 percent is land (approximately 300 square kilometres). The population of 515,000 (2022 census) is spread over 188 inhabited islands, with additional islands dedicated to tourist resorts. Malé, the capital, is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. The first resort island opened in 1972, and today tourism dominates the economy (30% of gross domestic product). The plight of Maldives illustrates the unique nature of the human rights conundrum posed by the climate emergency: the people of the Maldives have made a negligible contribution to causing the problem (0.0003 percent of global emissions) but are being subjected to a disproportionate share of the impacts. The dire warning of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change resonates with particular power in Maldives: “There is a rapidly closing window of opportunity to secure a livable and sustainable future for all … The choices and actions implemented in this decade will have impacts now and for thousands of years.”5 In some ways, the Maldives epitomizes a global economy based on the exploitation of people and nature. A burgeoning number of islands are being privatized, offering high end luxury resorts for wealthy foreigners at thousands of dollars per night, while nearly a third of the population of Maldives are migrant 2 workers, many of whom live and work in poor conditions, earning minimal wages. Foreign investors reap large profits while local communities suffer the loss of ecosystems that sustain them. Many airports are being built, even on islands with convenient speedboat access to other airports, yet air travel is the most carbon-intensive mode of transport. During my visit to Maldives, I spent time in the capital, Malé, and traveled to a number of other islands and atolls including Hulhumalé, Thilafushi and Villingili (Kaafu Atoll), Kulhudhuffushi (Haa Dhaalu Atoll) and Hithadhoo, Maradhoo, and Feydhoo (Addu Atoll). I met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, the Minister of Economic Development and Trade, the Special Envoy for Climate Change from the President’s Office, officials with the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Land, Housing and Urban Development, the Attorney General’s Office, Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO), the National Disaster Management Authority and the National Human Rights Commission, justices of the Supreme Court, the Maldivian Red Crescent, marine biologists, youth, and members of civil society. My role as the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and the environment is to promote the implementation of States’ obligations relating to the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. This fundamental human right, successfully championed by Maldives at the UN Human Rights Council (A/HRC/RES/48/13) and the UN General Assembly (A/RES/76/300), includes clean air, safe and sufficient water, healthy and sustainably produced food, non-toxic environments, healthy biodiversity and ecosystems and a safe climate. It also includes rights of access to environmental information, public participation in environmental decision-making, and access to justice with adequate remedies. My visit focused on the challenges Maldives must confront to successfully respect, protect and fulfil this right, the steps taken so far, the future actions being planned, and the barriers to progress. International Legal Context As other special procedures mandate holders have observed on previous visits, Maldives has ratified eight out of the nine core international human rights treaties, along with five optional protocols. I encourage Maldives to ratify the International Convention on the protection of the rights of all migrant workers and members of their families. Maldives is also a State Party to all of the major international climate and environmental agreements, including the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Paris Agreement, the UN Convention on Biodiversity and more. I encourage the Maldives to push for a human rights-based approach in the ongoing negotiations towards a global plastics treaty, a pandemic prevention, preparedness and response treaty, and a business and human rights treaty. National Legal Context The Constitution of Maldives recognizes that every citizen has the right to a “healthy and ecologically balanced environment” (Article 23).6 However, from a human rights perspective, this right should be enjoyed by everyone and not limited to citizens.7 This appears to be the only constitution in the world to treat this fundamental human right in such a restrictive manner. This constitutional flaw takes on additional importance in Maldives because of the immense number of migrant workers (estimated at 150,000), some of whom are living or working in unsafe and unhealthy environments. The main environmental law in the Maldives is the outdated Environment Protection and Preservation Act from 1993. Environmental laws and policies in Maldives are evolving, with a number of recent laws (e.g. Climate Emergency Act 2021, Waste Management Act, 2022) and bills not yet enacted (e.g. Environmental Protection and Conservation Act). Vital reforms to fossil fuel subsidies have been developed but not implemented. As noted in the Sustainable Development Goals Roadmap, Maldives needs to “Strengthen the institutional capacity for environmental management, including monitoring, assessment and enforcement capacity”.8 The Climate Emergency As described earlier, Maldives is acutely vulnerable to the climate crisis, which is also a human rights crisis. The climate emergency is interfering with the enjoyment of a wide range of human rights, including the rights to life, health, food, water, housing, an adequate standard of living and a healthy environment, as well as cultural rights and the rights of the child. Potentially vulnerable and marginalized populations— women, children, older persons, persons with disabilities and persons living in poverty, whose adaptive capacity may be limited by lack of resources—are suffering disproportionate impacts. According to research published in 2023, “The health risks associated with climate change in the Maldives are vast, and they include heat-related illness, water-borne diseases, food and water shortages due to flooding, mental illnesses, and an increase in the incidence of vector-borne diseases” including dengue fever.9 Researchers described these problems as “a matter of urgent concern”.10 In addition, a five percent increase in both stillbirths and pre-term births results from every one degree increase in temperature. 11 Like all States, Maldives has both adaptation and mitigation obligations pursuant to international human rights law. To its credit, Maldives is one of the first countries to establish a road map following the call from the United Nations Secretary General on Early Warnings for All. This important initiative is intended to ensure that every person on earth is protected from hazardous weather, water, or climate events through lifesaving early warning systems by the end of 2027. The Climate Emergency Act (2021) is an important law, with one of its objectives being “to provide a mechanism to protect human rights from detrimental climate changes.” At COP 28 in Dubai, the Maldives announced its intention to plant five million trees in five years. Land reclamation is a major element of Maldivian adaptation efforts and is discussed in detail below. In its updated Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement, Maldives committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 26 percent by 2030. Maldives also established a goal of becoming carbon neutral (or net zero carbon) by 2030 in its Nationally Determined Contribution. Although admirable in theory, these goals are unlikely to be met unless there is a rapid acceleration in the shift to renewable energy. Today’s electricity and transport systems in the Maldives are heavily dependent on fossil fuels. For example, currently less than ten percent of electricity is generated via solar photovoltaic panels. Maldives' heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels for generating electricity and fueling transport is expensive, contributes to air pollution, undermines the nation’s international reputation as a leading voice for climate justice, and poses a massive obstacle to achieving carbon neutrality. In 2022, Maldives imported more than 800,000 tonnes of fuel.12 The three major categories of fuel imported are diesel for electricity generation, petrol for vehicles, and cooking gas.13 In recent years, fossil fuel subsidies for electricity and petrol have cost the Government hundreds of millions of dollars annually.14 The Asian Development Bank published a damning indictment of this problem, identifying barriers to the clean energy transition that include a weak policy and regulatory environment, limited development of local energy sources, absence of energy planning, inefficient energy use, and lack of long-term energy planning.15 According to the Asian Development Bank, diesel electricity generating costs range between 0.30–70 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), approximately three to seven times higher than recent costs of producing solar electricity in Maldives.16 The rapidly declining cost of renewable energy provides a huge opportunity for Maldives. In 2022, 63 investors expressed interest in a major solar project in Maldives, and a record low price of 9.8 US cents was received.17 In the words of the World Bank, “moving from a fossil-based to a renewable-based energy model is the best way to make electricity cheaper for everyone, reduce the fiscal risks and protect this island paradise.”18 Installed solar electricity generating capacity in Maldives jumped from 4 megawatts in 2014 to 37 megawatts in 2023, which is a good start but needs to accelerate.19 Barbados, another small island state 4 with limited land area that is a global champion for climate justice, jumped from 1 megawatt in 2014 to 70 megawatts in 2023, nearly double Maldives.20 I applaud the Government’s target to attain 33 percent of electricity production through renewable energy by 2028 and a proposed rooftop solar program, but note that these initiatives require addressing the preceding obstacles, and doing so quickly. Fossil fuel subsidies should be redirected to support renewable electricity and electric mobility. Excellent solar and storage initiatives are underway, funded largely by international financial institutions including the World Bank and Asian Development Bank. Projects include Accelerating Sustainable Private Investment in Renewable Energy (ASPIRE) and Accelerating Renewable Energy Integration and Sustainable Energy (ARISE), which are expected to install more than 53.5 megawatts of solar capacity and 50 megawatt-hours of battery storage. Preparing Outer Island for Sustainable Energy Development (POISED) is designed to install solar hybrid systems in 160 islands across Maldives. Maldives must leave no stone unturned in the quest for climate finance. Wealthy States have moral and legal obligations to increase the availability of funding, including through far larger contributions to the recently established Loss and Damage Fund. I recommend that the Government reach out to the Just Energy Transition Partnership for financing to dramatically accelerate the switch to renewable energy. This partnership, led by the EU, Canada, and the United States, has already pledged more than $40 billion in capital to States including Indonesia, South Africa, Vietnam and Senegal.21 To date it does not appear that any small island states have been beneficiaries. Maldives has a compelling case to be the first. Other attractive options are debt for renewables or debt for climate swaps, where creditors reduce debt obligations in exchange for commitments to invest in specified climate actions.22 I was impressed by the electric transport system on Villingili, involving buses, electric motorcycles and electric bicycles. Electric buses operated by the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company employ solar powered charging stations, contributing to reduced greenhouse gas emissions, cleaner air, less noise and a greener, cleaner, healthier island. This concept should be expanded to other islands, including Malé and Ras Malé, through subsidies for electric bikes, motorbikes and vehicles. 23 Land Reclamation The most controversial environment and human rights related topic in Maldives involves land reclamation. This process of dredging sand to expand existing islands or create new islands has accelerated in recent years, with the introduction of the Safe Island development programme after the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Associated activities, including channel blasting, harbor developments, and construction of jetties and breakwaters, also pose significant threats to the marine and coastal environment. Nearly twothirds of inhabited islands in Maldives have undergone substantial changes through land reclamation since 2006.24 The Government’s rationales include social, economic and environmental arguments. Additional land is needed for housing, infrastructure and industry. Land reclamation is also depicted as a means of adapting to climate change, particularly to the threat of rising sea levels. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports that land reclamation is potentially effective in reducing the risks from sea level rise.25 Opponents of land reclamation assert that the process is damaging, and in some cases, destroying coral reefs and lagoons, ecosystems that are not only environmentally sensitive and valuable but also the basis of local peoples’ livelihoods and cultures. They also argue that the main beneficiaries are often foreign businesses and the economic and political elite of the Maldives. Although individual environmental impact assessments are conducted for land reclamation projects, there does not appear to be an assessment of the cumulative risk to biodiversity, the health of reef ecosystems, local livelihoods and human rights across the Maldives despite the escalating pace and magnitude of development. There is extensive scientific evidence to support the position that land reclamation causes significant environmental damage.26 In the words of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, “Land reclamation and coastal protection structures negatively impact coastal and marine ecosystems, including reefs and mangroves, which compromise the protection services that they deliver to island communities through wave energy attenuation and sediment supply and may impact the long-term sustainable adaptive planning of islands. In addition, these construction activities disrupt natural coastal processes, thereby causing coastal erosion, which in turn increases the risk of flooding”.27 The IPCC concluded that reclamation causes “widespread ecosystem destruction”.28 The Maldives appears to be stuck between a rock and a hard place. It is untenable to do nothing to protect these extraordinarily vulnerable islands from the existential threat of rising sea levels. Yet reclamation projects are problematic because they damage nature’s defense mechanisms, jeopardize marine biodiversity, and sabotage the ecosystems that attract millions of tourists annually. Land reclamation projects for climate adaptation should be distinguished from projects done for luxury tourism. If land reclamation for the former could be done in a genuinely sustainable manner, with the full participation and support of local communities, it could be a valuable means of building resilience and adapting to the inevitable impacts of the climate emergency. This is true not only for Maldives and other atoll nations, but for many small island states and vulnerable, low lying coastal communities. Water Fulfilling the right to safe and sufficient water has been a major challenge for Maldives. As of 2019, 78 percent of the population had access to piped water in their homes, while 86 percent had access to sewage networks.29 Groundwater is found on some islands, but is limited in quantity and often contaminated by human waste and saltwater intrusion. Some households collect rainwater, but maintenance of the systems is uneven (e.g. cleaning roofs, cleaning tanks), and made more difficult by erratic and unpredictable precipitation patterns attributed to the climate crisis. Some islands also have communal water tanks. During the dry season, the Government delivers water by tanker to approximately 80 islands. However, this is expensive, polluting (due to fuel use), and can be delayed or canceled by bad weather and stormy seas, leaving people without an adequate water supply. This approach should be replaced by more sustainable solutions, including increased attention to protecting and recharging groundwater. Water in Maldives is increasingly provided by desalination plants. If powered by renewable energy, this is a reasonably sustainable solution. A recent $25 million project carried out by the Government with support from the UN Development Programme and the Green Climate Fund improved access to safe drinking water for 20,000 people on 29 islands, improved resilience of groundwater quality for 49 islands, supported development of the Water and Sewerage Act, and will save millions of dollars in the future by reducing costs of delivering water during dry seasons. A recent collaboration between China and Maldives built five desalination plants powered by solar and wind systems for a total cost of $13 million. 30 Each plant has the capacity to produce 200,000 liters of water daily. Non-toxic environments where people can live, work, learn and play Waste management Maldives has serious waste management problems, including open burning, dumping of waste, and microplastic contamination. Litter is ubiquitous, cluttering streets, beaches, the ocean, and the roots of trees. The rare public trash receptacles are overflowing with garbage. With a growing population, increasing wealth, and rapidly rising numbers of tourists, garbage production has skyrocketed. The volume of waste generated per capita has jumped roughly 60% in recent years. 31 Hundreds of tonnes of trash from the Greater Malé region and tourism islands are transported to an immense dump on Thilafushi Island. Burning of waste on Thilafushi is no longer permitted but continues on more 6 remote islands, producing carcinogenic smoke and depositing toxic substances in soil and water, threatening both human and ecosystem health.32 According to scientists, “these findings highlight the need for immediate changes in waste management policies in the Archipelago, in order to reduce the release of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in the fragile local environment.”33 The first waste management law was enacted in 2022 and actions are underway to address the problem, including planned separation of waste streams, closed containers for waste transfer between islands, a 13 megawatt waste to energy incinerator, and a biodigester for organic waste. A last-minute amendment to the Waste Management Act allows waste to be imported. Given the garbage challenges facing Maldives, this provision should be repealed.34 Waste management centres have been established on 79 islands and are promised for 100 more, but are generally not fenced, not coordinated, and are not separating waste streams (recyclable, compostable, residue). Many sewage and waste water systems in the Maldives are rudimentary, consisting of simple collection systems with little treatment. Raw sewage effluent and solids are discharged through pipes into the ocean, threatening lagoons, beaches and reefs. 35 Researchers found “one of the highest densities of microplastics found anywhere on the planet” in coastal waters adjacent to Maldivian islands.36 Maldives, somewhat surprisingly, ranks among the world’s worst plastic polluters on a per capita basis.37 Plastic water bottles and other forms of plastic trash are visible on streets, beaches and floating in the sea because of the inadequate solid waste management system, discharges of sewage and wastewater, the lack of environmentally responsible behaviour, and transport by currents from neighbouring countries in the Indian Ocean. Plastic pollution is not only ugly but threatens human health, wildlife and ecosystems. Maldives recently introduced a ban on certain types of single use plastics.38 The production, import and use of the following single-use plastic items were banned: drinking straws, plates, cutlery and stirrers, plastic shopping bags below 30 × 30 cm, styrofoam food containers, drinking cups of less than 250 mL, cotton buds with plastic stems and shampoo, soap, conditioner and lotion bottles that are less than 50 mL. This is a good initiative, but must be implemented and enforced to be effective. It should be noted that waste incineration can cause additional problems including toxic air pollution and toxic residue. Strong environmental standards based on the best available science need to be established before the Thilafushi incinerator begin to operate. Smaller incinerators on other islands should also be governed by strong environmental standards and must be sited away from local communities and ecologically sensitive areas. A bright spot in waste management is the “Green Climate Smart Hospital Policy and Strategy” that is addressing medical waste. Also important is a project supported by the Global Environment Facility that achieved the safeguarding of up to 30 tonnes of PCB- contaminated transformers and switchgears in a temporary storage and progressed with arrangements for packaging, shipment, and final disposal of the PCB waste at a certified destruction facility abroad. The Maldives is encouraged to develop extended producer responsibility programs to shift the operational and financial burden of waste management to the businesses responsible for creating and importing the materials that become waste.39 For example, one of the most commonly littered items are drink containers. These should be subject to an industry financed and operated deposit/refund system. Maldives needs to invest in public education on proper waste management (e.g. ending open burning, dealing with food waste, segregating waste) and strictly enforce rules against littering. The recent crackdown on littering in Malé prior to Ramadan was an encouraging initiative, with 100 people fined.40 Air pollution Despite the remoteness of the Maldives and the small population, air pollution is a significant health concern. Annual average levels of fine particulate (PM2.5) in Malé are four times higher (19 μg/m3) than the level recommended by the World Health Organization (5 μg/m3). In other parts of Maldives, levels are lower than in Malé but still exceed WHO levels.41 At certain times of the year, half of the air pollution is due to transboundary transport of air pollution. It is estimated that 160 premature deaths per year in Maldives are caused by air pollution.42 Maldives has a National Action Plan on Air Pollutants(2019). Recognizing the link between climate change and air pollution, most of the measures in the Action Plan repeat measures pledged in the Nationally Determined Contribution to the Paris Agreement, such as expanding solar electricity generation, improving the energy efficiency of air conditioners and refrigerators, and reducing the open burning of waste. If implemented, these actions would reduce greenhouse gas emissions 26 percent and fine particulate emissions 35 percent. Additional actions, including strengthening and enforcing emission standards for road vehicles and the marine fleet, would result in a 60 percent reduction in direct PM2.5 emissions, 40 percent reduction in black carbon emissions, and 27 percent reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions by 2030 compared to a business as usual scenario. However, implementation is the primary challenge. Toxic chemicals A growing number of States have banned hazardous pesticides because of their dangers to human and ecosystem health. However, pesticide imports in Maldives have risen sharply in recent years. More than 14 types of potentially carcinogenic pesticides were imported in 2021. 43 Other concerns include chemicals used in the boat building and repair sector (e.g. formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen, and styrene, a probable human carcinogen) and asbestos, a known carcinogen imported in large volumes in asbestos-cement sheets (used in construction).44 The World Health Organization urges the States to stop using all products containing asbestos because of the severe risks of cancer and other diseases.45 Recommended actions including enacting a Hazardous Substances law, stopping the import and use of all asbestos products, and eliminating reliance on cancer causing pesticides. The government should also: strengthen occupational health and safety standards in key economic sectors, such as boat building, construction, and agriculture; 46 increase awareness and understanding about the importance of sound chemical management; and boost capacity for testing, monitoring and enforcement of rules. Biodiversity The Maldives archipelago’s coral reefs, mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, sandy lagoons and other marine ecosystems are among the most abundant and diverse anywhere in the world. In particular, the size, complexity, and rich diversity of the Maldives’ coral reef ecosystem—including 1,200 species of fish— make it globally significant. Of the 100+ endangered species in Maldives, most are corals, along with some turtles, sharks, rays and birds.47 Scientists are very concerned about the declining health of coral reefs in Maldives, especially in the more heavily developed central atolls.48 Corals are under pressure from the combination of climate change (ocean heating and acidification) and localized impacts (land reclamation, pollution, tourism). Maldives lost 75% of its corals in the devastating 2016 bleaching event. Reductions in coral abundance and diversity lead to declines in fish and invertebrate populations, harming local communities that depend on these species and undermining the long-term health of the reefs themselves. To take just one example, the 2022 Environmental Impact Assessment for the Addu Land Reclamation Project estimated that 20.88 hectares of coral reef would be lost, representing a cost of $US 340.6 million 8 to $US 851.5 million (up to ten times the budgeted cost of the reclamation project).49 The loss of 98 hectares of seagrass meadows in the same EIA had an estimated cost of $US 3.7 million.50 Mangroves provide resources for local communities are important as nurseries for reef fish species, bird habitat and a variety of vital ecosystem services. Destruction and reclamation of mangroves and coastal areas for the development of infrastructure deprives women who are dependent on these natural resources for their livelihoods, leading to increased financial dependability and vulnerability in the households. This is precisely what happened when an extensive area of mangroves was destroyed to build the Kulhudhuffushi airport.51 The economic, social, and cultural rights and the right to a healthy environment of hundreds of women reliant on handicrafts were violated. Coastal vegetation provides many benefits and should be protected whenever possible. Percentages of protected areas in Maldives are well below the international commitment of all States to protect 30 percent of land and marine territory by 2030, under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Data available indicate that in Maldives, 2.3 percent of terrestrial area is protected and 0.7 percent of the marine area, well below other small island nations (e.g. Seychelles with 62 percent and 33 percent respectively).52 Rights-based conservation requires inclusive involvement of local communities. Protected areas appear to lack adequate government support. For example, responsibility for the Addu Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve was transferred from the Ministry of Environment to a local city council. Unlike the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve, the Addu Atoll Biosphere Reserve does not receive any financial support from the central government. The Addu Atoll Biosphere Reserve is a global treasure that deserves the full support of the government of Maldives, including sufficient financial and human resources to develop and implement a management plan to attract more visitors and ensure its sustainability. A recent regulatory change allows dredging for land reclamation in marine protected areas. This type of regression is not consistent with the government’s obligation to respect the right to a healthy environment. Food Fishing remains an important part of the economy of the Maldives and a major source of nutrients. The key species are skipjack and yellowfin tuna, which are caught using sustainable fishing gear including pole and line and hand lines, respectively. Tuna represent 98 percent of fisheries in Maldives, and roughly half the catch is exported. Since 2005 the volume of tuna catch has been declining due to overfishing by other nations and oceanic changes (e.g. increased ocean surface temperatures) linked to the climate emergency. It is important to emphasize the impressively sustainable practices of the Maldivian tuna fishery, which include low levels of bycatch, relatively low levels of fuel consumption, and catch levels below the country’s quotas established by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission.53 It is unjust that European Union fishing fleets catch more skipjack and yellowfin tuna in the Indian Ocean than any State in the region (including Maldives).54 A profoundly troubling possibility is that the foregoing factors could completely eliminate the tuna fishery that employs more than 10,000 people and is at the heart of the healthy diet enjoyed by many Maldivians (with per capita consumption of almost 100 kilograms per year).55 The loss of the tuna fishery would be devastating for people’s health and their right to healthy and sustainably produced food, as well as causing social, cultural and economic losses. Procedural elements of the right to a healthy environment In order to fully enjoy their right to a healthy environment, people must have access to information, the ability to participate in decision making, and access to justice with effective remedies when their rights are being threatened or violated. Some sources raised concerns about delays in gaining timely access to information, extra difficulties getting information about state-owned enterprises, and the use of “national security” as an excuse for denying access to information. Others criticized public participation opportunities as limited, directed towards favourable stakeholders only (such as local councils), and treated as “box-checking exercises.” In the words of one individual, there is a “communication gap” between the government and the people. One of the key vehicles for implementing the procedural elements of the right to a healthy environment and achieving sustainable development is the environmental impact assessment (EIA) process. Disaster risk reduction, such as adequate drainage, should be consistently integrated in EIAs for land reclamation projects, but this is apparently not the case, or sometimes recommendations are not implemented. Numerous harbour, airport, and other land reclamation projects have exacerbated flooding risks, as illustrated by the rise in flooding in Kulhudhuffushi City after land reclamation and road construction for an airport destroyed a large area of mangroves. 56 Other critiques directed at the EIA process include lack of new information (copy/paste from previous EIA studies), studies done in a rush, resulting in a lack of comprehensive seasonal data, projects are politically pre-approved, work on projects begins prior to completion of the EIA process, and a failure to implement EIA recommendations. EIA should include health and human rights considerations, including the rights of the child and the right to a healthy environment. The Environmental Protection Agency needs additional resources in order to monitor and enforce mitigation and restoration recommendations made in EIA reports. These recommendations should be legally binding conditions for the granting of permits. There are a growing number of court challenges to government decisions that are harming or have the potential to harm the right to a healthy environment in Maldives. Some disturbing examples were given about local magistrates being influenced by pro-development public pressure to dismiss cases on spurious grounds, and environmental advocates being harassed for bringing these important public interest lawsuits. It is essential to the integrity of the judicial system for magistrates and judges be free from all external influences. One important case involving land reclamation for port development at Gulhifalhu is currently before the Supreme Court, which overturned an interim injunction granted by the High Court to stop dredging.57 Recommendations include training magistrates and judges about human rights and the environment (through programs offered by the UN Environment Programme), adopting procedural rules to expedite environmental cases before irreparable damage is done (as in the Philippines58), and encouraging lawyers to represent environmental clients (potentially as a pro bono element of their practice). Several disturbing accounts were shared of harassment and intimidation, including death threats, against environmental human rights defenders. This is completely unacceptable. The government should have zero tolerance for this kind of behaviour and should celebrate the work of advocates who are promoting sustainable development and seeking environmental justice. Those responsible for threats and harassment should be investigated and, where appropriate, prosecuted. It is a positive development that human rights complaints (related to civil and political rights) can be brought to the Human Rights Commission and the Civil Rights Office of the Attorney General. Efforts to have the Human Rights Commission comply with the Paris Principles established by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions should continue. Environmental education is a right for every child and should be woven throughout the entire curriculum in Maldives, from pre-school through university. The Green Schools pilot project in seven schools is a promising initiative in this regard. Urban planning Access to green space is very important for both physical and mental health, especially for children. There is much more green space in Phase I of Hulhumalé than in Malé, but green space originally planned for Phase II has been replaced by additional housing. This unfortunate regression should be reconsidered. Traffic congestion in Malé is causing air pollution and accidents. I recommend investing in safer infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as improving public transit services. Some streets should be closed to private vehicles, beginning on a trial basis, a strategy that has enjoyed great success in many cities. Encouraging developments from the perspective of sustainable development planning include a recently completed Urban Development Policy as well as work on a National Planning bill, a 20-year Long-term Development Plan, and an Urban Planning and Development bill. Gender Equality Evidence demonstrates that having more women in government leads to improved environmental protection and performance.59 Women’s participation in public institutions in Maldives remains limited. For example, their representation in decision-making bodies such as the Parliament, and executive positions remains disproportionately low. Following this week’s election, women held only three seats in the People’s Majlis, (the Maldivian Parliament), and only 3 out of 22 ministers are women. A positive step forward was the amendment of the Decentralization Act (2019), introducing a quota of 33 percent for the representation of women in local councils. Similar quotas for all public institutions, including Parliament, are encouraged. In 2022, the UN Working Group on discrimination against women and girls recommended increasing women’s participation and decision-making related to climate action and environmental protection.60 According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, research from the Maldives suggests that women and men do not possess equal capacities to use mobility as a strategy to adapt to climate change. 61 Women are less able to employ migration as an adaptation strategy due to gender norms, social expectations, economic structures, religious doctrines, and cultural practices. Conclusion In conclusion, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Government of Maldives for the invitation to undertake this visit and for its excellent cooperation before and during the visit. Maldives deserves credit for being a vocal champion for the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment at the United Nations, both in Geneva at the Human Rights Council and in New York at the General Assembly. I would also like to express my genuine gratitude to the UN Country team for their valuable support and assistance. I appreciate the remarkable efforts being made with very limited resources by civil society organizations in Maldives working on pollution, plastic waste, tree planting, environmental education, biodiversity conservation and climate change. The people doing this work, many of whom are volunteers, are heroes for human rights and the planet. This end of mission statement highlights my preliminary findings from the ten-day visit. It will be followed by a full report with a more detailed and comprehensive analysis, including extensive recommendations, which will be presented at the 58th session of the Human Rights Council in March 2025. I would like to close on an optimistic note. Scientists have conducted remarkable experiments in the Maldives to revive damaged coral reefs by breeding heat tolerant coral larvae and using recordings of fish noises to attract those larvae to damaged reefs.62 This research illustrates the remarkable resilience of nature. However, this technique will only work if every country in the world, including Maldives, tackles the climate emergency with increased urgency. As the IPCC has concluded, “Every bit of warming matters, every year matters, every choice matters.”63 Endnotes 1 https://www.unicef.org/rosa/blog/were-being-swallowed-ocean-and-running-out-freshwater 2 Mycoo, M., M. Wairiu, D. Campbell, V. Duvat, Y. Golbuu, S. Maharaj, J. Nalau, P. Nunn, J. Pinnegar, and O. Warrick, 2022: Small Islands. In: Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability. Contribution of Working Group II to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [H.-O. Pörtner, D.C. Roberts, M. Tignor, E.S. Poloczanska, K. Mintenbeck, A. Alegría, M. Craig, S. Langsdorf, S. Löschke, V. Möller, A. Okem, B. Rama (eds.)]. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK and New York, NY, USA, pp. 2043–2121, doi:10.1017/9781009325844.017. 3 https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2023/07/how-fast-are-the-seas-rising/ 4 See https://nccarf.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Rules-of-thumb-for-managing-coastal-processes.pdf and https://theconversation.com/climate-explained-why-coastal-floods-are-becoming-more-frequent-as-seas-rise-127202 5 https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/syr/resources/spm-headline-statements/ 6 23. Economic and social rights Every citizen the following rights pursuant to this Constitution, and the State undertakes to achieve the progressive realisation of these rights by reasonable measures within its ability and resources: 7 It should also be noted that pursuant to the Constitution of Maldives, “a non-Muslim may not become a citizen of the Maldives” (Article 9(4)). 8 Government of Maldives and United Nations, 2022, Maldives SDG Roadmap, https://maldives.un.org/sites/default/files/2023-05/Maldives%20SDG%20Roadmap%20Oct%202022%20Final.pdf 9 Eya LI, Adam IM, Ruvaisha A, Adam IM. Readiness of the Maldivian Health System to Climate Change. Asia Pac J Public Health. 2023 Mar;35(2-3):230-231. doi: 10.1177/10105395231158683. Epub 2023 Feb 23. PMID: 36824019. 10 Ibid. 11 Chersich MF, Pham MD, Areal A, Haghighi MM, Manyuchi A, Swift CP, Wernecke B, Robinson M, Hetem R, Boeckmann M, Hajat S; Climate Change and Heat-Health Study Group. Associations between high temperatures in pregnancy and risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and stillbirths: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ. 2020 Nov 4;371:m3811. doi: 10.1136/bmj.m3811. 12 Maldives Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, 2023. Maldives Second Voluntary National Review on the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals Maldives. https://hlpf.un.org/sites/default/files/vnrs/2023/VNR%20Maldives%202023.pdf 13 https://mfr.mv/industry/maldives-set-to-spend-more-on-fuel-in-2022 14 https://edition.mv/features/29574 15 Asian Development Bank, 2020, Energy Sector Assessment: Summary. https://www.adb.org/projects/documents/mld-46122-005-rrp 16 Asian Development Bank, 2020, Energy Sector Assessment: Summary. https://www.adb.org/projects/documents/mld-46122-005-rrp 17 https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/endpovertyinsouthasia/why-maldives-5-mw-solar-project-game-changer 18 Ibid. 19 International Renewable Energy Agency. 2024. Renewable Energy Capacity Statistics, 2024, p. 21. https://www.irena.org/Publications/2024/Mar/Renewable-capacity-statistics-2024 20 Ibid. 21 https://dgap.org/en/research/glossary/climate-foreign-policy/just-energy-transition-partnerships 22 See https://lki.lk/publication/debt-for-renewables-swaps-how-to-address-climate-debt-and-energy-sectorvulnerabilities-in-sri-lanka/ and https://theconversation.com/how-debt-for-climate-swaps-can-help-solve-low-income-countries-crushing-debt-andenvironmental-challenges-at-the-same-time-191161 23 https://atolltimes.mv/post/news/6925 24 Duvat, V.K.E., Magnan, A.K. Rapid human-driven undermining of atoll island capacity to adjust to ocean climate-related pressures. Sci Rep 9, 15129 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-51468-3 25 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Special Report on Oceans and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate: Summary for Policymakers, 2019, p. 33. See also 4.4.2.4.5 26 Duvat, V.K.E., Magnan, A.K. Rapid human-driven undermining of atoll island capacity to adjust to ocean climate-related pressures. Sci Rep 9, 15129 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-51468-3 See also https://www.maldivescoral.org/projects 12 27 Mycoo, M., M. Wairiu, D. Campbell, V. Duvat, Y. Golbuu, S. Maharaj, J. Nalau, P. Nunn, J. Pinnegar, and O. Warrick, 2022: Small Islands. In: Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability. Contribution of Working Group II to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [H.-O. Pörtner, D.C. Roberts, M. Tignor, E.S. Poloczanska, K. Mintenbeck, A. Alegría, M. Craig, S. Langsdorf, S. Löschke, V. Möller, A. Okem, B. Rama (eds.)]. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK and New York, NY, USA, pp. 2043–2121, doi:10.1017/9781009325844.017. 28 Ibid. 29 Maldives Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, 2023. Maldives Second Voluntary National Review on the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals Maldives. https://hlpf.un.org/sites/default/files/vnrs/2023/VNR%20Maldives%202023.pdf 30 https://edition.mv/news/31382 31 Toby B. Patti, Emily K. Fobert, Simon E. Reeves, Karen Burke da Silva, 2020. Spatial distribution of microplastics around an inhabited coral island in the Maldives, Indian Ocean, Science of The Total Environment, 748: 141263, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141263. 32 Colombo A, Bettinetti R, Strona G, Cambria F, Fanelli R, Zubair Z, Galli P. Maldives: an archipelago that burns. A first survey of PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs from human activities. Sci Total Environ. 2014 Nov 1;497-498:499-507. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.08.013. Epub 2014 Aug 23. PMID: 25151268. 33 Colombo A, Bettinetti R, Strona G, Cambria F, Fanelli R, Zubair Z, Galli P. Maldives: an archipelago that burns. A first survey of PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs from human activities. Sci Total Environ. 2014 Nov 1;497-498:499-507. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.08.013. 34 Walker TR. The Maldives should not become the world's garbage dump by importing plastic waste. Mar Pollut Bull. 2023 Apr;189:114749. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114749. Epub 2023 Feb 22. See also https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/12/19/dont-turn-maldives-worlds-garbagedump#:~:text=Section%2044%20of%20the%20law,of%20waste%20into%20the%20country. 35 B. Cowburn, C. Moritz, C. Birrell, G. Grimsditch, A. Abdulla. Can luxury and environmental sustainability coexist? Assessing the environmental impact of resort tourism on coral reefs in the Maldives. Ocean Coastal Management, 158 (2018), pp. 120-127. 36 Patti, T. B., Fobert, E. K., Reeves, S. E., & Burke da Silva, K. (2020). Spatial distribution of microplastics around an inhabited coral island in the Maldives, Indian Ocean. Science of The Total Environment, 748, Article 141263. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141263 37 Barnes SJ. Understanding plastics pollution: The role of economic development and technological research. Environ Pollut. 2019 Jun;249:812-821. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.03.108. Epub 2019 Mar 29. 38 https://zerowastemaldives.com/the-maldives-bans-the-imports-of-certain-single-use-plastics/ 39 See British Columbia, Extended Producer Responsibility Five-Year Action Plan 2021–2026; and British Columbia, Environmental Management Act, Recycling Regulation No. 449/2004. 40 https://edition.mv/news/32279 41 Budhavant K, Andersson A, Bosch C, Kruså M, Murthaza A, Zahid, Gustafsson Ö. Apportioned contributions of PM2.5 fine aerosol particles over the Maldives (northern Indian Ocean) from local sources vs long-range transport. Sci Total Environ. 2015 Dec 1;536:72-78. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.07.059. Epub 2015 Jul 18. PMID: 26196071. 42 World Health Organization, 2023, Monitoring progress on universal health coverage and the health-related Sustainable Development Goals in the WHO South-East Asia Region – 2023 update, p. 61, https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/373775/9789290210917-eng.pdf?sequence=4 43 Ministry of Environment Climate Change and Technology. 2022. Baseline Assessment on National Use of Chemicals and Associated Risks. 44 Ministry of Environment Climate Change and Technology. 2022. Baseline Assessment on National Use of Chemicals and Associated Risks. 45 World Health Organization, 2014, Elimination of asbestos related diseases, https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/340579/WHO-FWC-PHE-EPE-14.01-eng.pdf?sequence=1 46 The proposed occupational health and safety bill should be enacted and must apply equally to all workers, both resident and migrant. 47 Maldives Red List, https://www.environment.gov.mv/v2/en/maldives-red-list See also http://www.earthsendangered.com/search-regions3.asp 48 Zampa G, Azzola A, Bianchi CN, Morri C, Oprandi A, Montefalcone M. Patterns of change in coral reef communities of a remote Maldivian atoll revisited after eleven years. PeerJ. 2023 Oct 24;11:e16071. doi: 10.7717/peerj.16071. PMID: 38077433; PMCID: PMC10710173. 13 Pancrazi et al. (2020) Pancrazi I, Ahmed H, Cerrano C, Montefalcone M. Synergic effect of global thermal anomalies and local dredging activities on coral reefs of the Maldives. Marine Pollution Bulletin. 2020;160:111585. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111585. 49 Additional Information - EIA for the Proposed Reclamation Project at Addu City, September 2022. 50 Ibid. 51 https://www.hrw.org/report/2023/10/18/we-still-havent-recovered/local-communities-harmed-reclamationprojects-maldives 52 See https://www.protectedplanet.net/country/MDV and https://www.protectedplanet.net/country/SYC 53 https://ipnlf.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/rates-of-fuel-consumption-in-the-maldives-pole-and-line-tunafishery-lr.pdf 54 H. Sinan et al., Subsidies and allocation: A legacy of distortion and intergenerational loss, Front. Hum. Dyn. 4:1044321. doi: 10.3389/fhumd.2022.1044321 55 Nadhiya A, Khandaker MU, Mahmud S, Abdullah WH. The presence of toxic heavy metals in tuna fishes from Laccadive sea and concomitant health risk. Radiat Prot Dosimetry. 2023 Nov 2;199(18):2224-2228. doi: 10.1093/rpd/ncad213. PMID: 37934996. 56 Human Rights Watch, 2023. We Still haven’t Recovered: Local Communities Harmed by Reclamation projects in the Maldives. https://www.hrw.org/report/2023/10/18/we-still-havent-recovered/local-communities-harmedreclamation-projects-maldives#_ftn42 See also https://raajje.mv/66950#:~:text=Kulhudhuffushi%20island%20council%20has%20revealed,been%20affected%20by %20flood%20damage. 57 Humaida Abdul Ghafoor v. Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure and Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Technology, Case 2023/HC-A/267, 14 February 2024, High Court of Maldives. https://miveshi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Unofficial-Translation-High-Court-Judgment-2023-HC-A-267-14- Feb-2024.pdf 58 https://lawphil.net/courts/supreme/am/am_09-6-8-sc_2010.html 59 Report of the Special Rapporteur on the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, David Boyd, 2023, A/HRC/52/33 60 A/HRC/53/39/Add.2 61 Mycoo, M., M. Wairiu, D. Campbell, V. Duvat, Y. Golbuu, S. Maharaj, J. Nalau, P. Nunn, J. Pinnegar, and O. Warrick, 2022: Small Islands. In: Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability. Contribution of Working Group II to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [H.-O. Pörtner, D.C. Roberts, M. Tignor, E.S. Poloczanska, K. Mintenbeck, A. Alegría, M. Craig, S. Langsdorf, S. Löschke, V. Möller, A. Okem, B. Rama (eds.)]. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK and New York, NY, USA, pp. 2043–2121, doi:10.1017/9781009325844.017. 62 https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/20/scientists-experiment-is-beacon-of-hope-for-coral-reefson-brink-of-global-collapse 63 IPCC, Global Warming of 1.5°C, Foreword at (vi).
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Press Release
07 April 2024
Maldives: UN expert encourages efforts to promote inclusive governance and development
During a 10-day visit to the Maldives, Livingstone Sewanyana, UN Independent expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order examined core aspects related to his mandate, including international cooperation in the areas of peace and security, sustainable development, climate change and social protection. He also examined the situation of migrant workers, public participation of women, youth and other marginalised groups in decision-making processes, and the protection of civic space. Sewanyana commended the adoption of a social protection scheme and encouraged the adoption of further policies and measures to strengthen social welfare and reduce poverty, with particular attention to segments of society in situations of risk and vulnerability, including women, youth and migrant workers. “Upholding the rights and dignity of migrant workers is a fundamental component of inclusive governance,” the expert said. “I strongly recommend that the Government enhances efforts to strengthen the regulatory framework for protecting their rights.” Sewanyana welcomed measures towards social infrastructure investment and diversification of the economy. He also reiterated the need to safeguard civic space which is the cornerstone of democracy and good governance. “Moving forward, protecting and expanding civic freedoms will be crucial to foster an environment where diverse perspectives can flourish,” the expert said. Sewanyana also acknowledged the Government’s efforts to formulate national policies and its international engagement and cooperation to combat climate change and its effects. During his visit, the expert met with Government officials, members of Parliament, representatives of civil society organisations and academics. Sewanyana will present a report on his visit, including key recommendations, to the Human Rights Council in September 2024. END
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Press Release
14 June 2023
From Paper to Practice - Reviewing Gender-Based Violence Legislations in the Maldives
On May 30th 2023, UNFPA Maldives convened a workshop to disseminate the findings of this analysis, spearheaded by Ms. Chantelle McCabe, an international human rights lawyer and gender expert to bring about this crucial dialogue among key stakeholders. Representatives from across sectors, including Uza Aisha Shujune Muhammad, Dr. Azmiralda Zahir from the Supreme Court, Hon. Uz. Hussein Shameem from the Prosecutor General’s Office, representatives from the United Nations and the Minister of Gender, Family Support and Services, Hon. Aishath Mohamed Didi amongst other esteemed participants, who sparked the conversation, underscoring the necessity of aligning written laws with their actual execution.
“We’re taking the cases up to courts, but other things within the law, for example services for the victims of violence, require more support,” said the Minister. There was a shared sentiment that the spirit of law isn't just about the prosecution, but also about providing support to the victims, ensuring they are not jeopardized when giving evidence, and empowering them through a system that truly serves their interests.
The Prosecutor General shed light on the potential opportunities arising from the Supreme Court’s call for a review of all laws. However, he also emphasized the conflicts within the penal code sections that could be counterproductive to a harmonized legal framework. In his words, “Some of the issues we mentioned among a few of these sections; none of them were used due to a conflict, which is something that needs to be resolved”.
One of the key themes that emerged was the need for transparency, coherence and consistency in the interpretation and application of laws. With numerous references to provisions that seem contradictory or are interpreted differently across sectors, the need for aligning laws and updating the provisions to reflect the current realities became a pressing concern. In this context, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Maldives, Catherine Haswell proposed a broader consultation involving diverse stakeholders and effective methodologies, borrowed from other examples from countries, to bring some coherence to the provisions while minimizing risk for women and children.
Additionally, a potent insight came from the Minister, who noted that “One of the weaknesses of our system is that a lot of things are people centered; depending on who is in a particular position of power during a particular time in order for things to happen”. Echoing this sentiment, Head of Office of UNFPA Maldives, Shadiya Ibrahim pointed out that “The wrong people are centered, it should be the survivors who are at the center”. This drove home the point that while laws are written down, their effective implementation should not depend on individual whims, but on a systematic, comprehensive and inclusive approach.
The meeting concluded on a hopeful note, looking towards future collaborations to address the issues raised, with a shared commitment to move from merely discussing laws to pushing the agenda for their effective implementation.
Moving forward, the insights garnered from this workshop will serve as stepping stones towards crafting an action plan that bridges the gap between legislation and its application. It’s time to turn our discussions into actions, our laws into lived realities, and our hopes into tangible outcomes.
Reference: https://maldives.unfpa.org/en/gbvlawreview
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Press Release
05 June 2023
Training Workshop to Enhance the Use of Administrative Data for Official Statistics Production
Under the auspices of the Collaborative on Administrative Data, the UNSD, with funding support from the UN DESA Development Account 13, has developed a training program that targets both administrative data holders and official statisticians. The workshop aims to foster a common understanding of the value of data sharing and collaboration between these stakeholders, paving the way for improved official statistics and informed decision-making.
The training workshop, titled "Increasing the Use of Administrative Data Sources for Official Statistics Production," covered a range of essential topics, including:
Understanding the concept and benefits of administrative data.
Mapping and assessing the usability of administrative data sources.
Quality management of administrative data.
Data sharing, interoperability, and data linking.
Data confidentiality and security
Formalization of data sharing through legal frameworks and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).
Follow-up and implementation strategies.
The objectives of the workshop are to increase capacity and foster a joint understanding among participants which include the Maldives Bureau of Statistics (MBS) and various line ministries responsible for administrative data sources, regarding the optimal use of administrative data sources for official statistics production. It is envisaged that with this training the participants will gain a better understanding of the subject matter and possess a toolkit to facilitate effective collaboration between administrative data holders and official statisticians.
In the context of the Maldives, the workshop focused on migration and labor statistics, addressing key areas that require accurate and detailed data. Through interactive sessions and case studies, participants gained practical insights into harnessing administrative data to strengthen statistical outputs in the country including those related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UN in Maldives hopes that this initiative will address the key challenges of data gaps and capacity for analysis that are being identified in the 2024 Voluntary National Review of the SDGs and bring to the forefront the initiatives needed by the Maldives to reinvigorate the country’s commitment to enhance the monitoring of the SDGs in the lead up to the SDG Summit.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Ms. Vibeke Oestreich Nielsen
Interregional Advisor on Statistical Training and Capacity Building Development Data and Outreach Branch
United Nations Statistics Division
Email: vibeke.nielsen@un.org
Aminath Mushfiqa Ibrahim
Director, HR,
Maldives Bureau of Statistics
Email: mushfiqa.ibrahim@stats.gov.mv
Shaha Shakeeb
Associate Development Coordination Officer, Data Management and Results Monitoring / Reporting
UN Maldives Resident Coordinators Office
Email: shaha.shakeeb@un.org
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Resources
04 February 2024
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