National Workshop on Social Protection to Leave No One Behind in the Maldives _ Opening Remarks By Resident Coordinator Mr. Hao Zhang

Minister of Social and Family Development, Dr Aishath Shiham, honourable guests, ladies and gentlemen 

Assalaam Alikum and a very good morning. 

It is a great pleasure to welcome you to this national workshop, which is a testament to our shared commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and, in particular, to its central and transformative pledge: to leave no one behind. 

To truly make a difference, we need to focus on those who are most excluded, most vulnerable, and most in need. That means looking beyond the averages and asking: who is being left behind - and what will it really take in terms of investment to lift them out of poverty and vulnerability? 

Maldives has made significant progress in eradicating extreme poverty and reducing inequalities in access to opportunities and basic services. This was evidenced in its recent Voluntary National Review which UNRCO/UNCT in Maldives and ESCAP supported together. In many SDGs, progress was evident not only in terms of national averages progressing toward the targets but also shrinking gaps between the furthest behind and the furthest ahead groups. 

However, there are still formidable challenges lying ahead which can reverse the previously made gains: climate change, demographic shifts including ageing and digitalization require more inclusive responses. As the Maldives advances in its development trajectory, the relevant targets and expectations rise as well: from eradicating poverty at higher poverty lines to ensuring improved services to delivering high-quality services for all. 

Social Protection is key policy tool to achieve the LNOB pledge. Social protection schemes not only provide support for people facing life-cycle contingencies but comprehensive schemes across the life course can also protect people from covariate shocks such as natural disaster, economic crises or pandemics.  

Maldives has made commendable progress in establishing a social protection system with universal old age pensions through contributory and non-contributory schemes, as well as universal health coverage. Nevertheless, more needs to be done to ensure comprehensive coverage across all stages of the life course. With only a few years left to achieve the 2030 agenda, there is a need to design and implement social protection policies based on evidence. For this, we need policy tools based on the latest data for guidance.  

That is precisely the purpose of this workshop: to strengthen national capacities to use data and innovative tools for evidence-based policymaking in social protection. The policy tools that you will explore combine innovative methodologies and rely on the latest available data to help policymakers make evidence-based decisions. They are designed to help you make informed, impactful decisions that bring us closer to a future where no one is left behind. 

This national workshop is a great example of the UN delivering as one. We have UN staff ESCAP from regional level and UNCT at country level. They are all here at your service to introduce and discuss policy tools, to build capacity and reflect on how to actively use data and innovative tools in support of an inclusive social protection system that leaves no one behind.