Panel Discussion on Demographic Transition: opportunities and Challenges for the Maldives - Opening remarks By UN Resident Coordinator Mr. Hal Zhang

His Excellency Ahmed Shiaan, Secretary Multilateral, High Commissioners, Ambassadors, Officials from Government and Academia Excellencies, Colleagues, Students, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good evening and thank you for joining us for this important discussion.

It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to the first official event co-hosted with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the United Nations in Maldives to mark the 60th anniversary of the Government of Maldives membership at the United Nations and the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.  

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Maldives has come a long way since its independence. Once counted among the twenty poorest countries in the world, today it is a middle-income nation with the highest per capita income in South Asia. Life expectancy has increased to over 80 years, one of the highest in the world. The country achieved universal immunization and full school enrolment with gender parity well before the Millennium Development Goals. These are achievements of which the nation can be deeply proud.

Yet, as we know, progress brings new realities. The Maldives is undergoing a demographic transition. Fertility rates have fallen, people are living longer, and the population profile is changing. This shift presents both opportunities and challenges.

On one hand, the Maldives has a youthful population whose energy, creativity, and potential can be harnessed for national development. If provided with quality education, meaningful employment, and equal opportunities, this generation can drive innovation, diversify the economy, and help build a more resilient and sustainable future.

On the other hand, the country must prepare for the pressures of an ageing population, with greater demands on healthcare, pensions, and social protection. Youth unemployment, urban migration, and regional disparities add further layers of complexity. 

Therefore, the panel discussion discussion we are having today on the topic of “demographic transition of the Maldives: the challenges and opportunities for the Maldives” is very relevant to the development trajectory of Maldives. 

As these demographic shifts are happening rapidly in the Maldives, the key question before us today is how can the Maldives navigate this transition in ways that strengthen its resilience and uphold its commitment to leave no one behind?

Recent research by UNFPA and the Maldives National University shows that many couples want more children but face barriers like high costs of living, housing shortages, job insecurity, and limited childcare, particularly in Malé. These are not only economic concerns, but also issues tied to gender norms, labour rights, and social protection systems. These also pose important challenges for our future generations.

Therefore, addressing these challenges requires evidence-based, inclusive, and forward-thinking policy responses. They call for holistic, people-centered policies that empower rather than restrict choices.

This is why today’s session matters. It is about sharing knowledge that informs policy, understanding the people and their needs, and how we can build systems that truly serve them. Because demographic evidence serves as a roadmap for action and a guide for building an equitable, inclusive, and resilient future shaped by the today’s choices and steps.

Ladies and Gentlemen.

The United Nations in the Maldives is committed to supporting national priorities through its country team. The UN system is actively working to strengthen social protection, enhance resilience against economic and climate shocks, and invest in the potential of young people and women, who are central to sustainable development and long-term progress.

I hope today’s discussion inspires fresh ideas from our youth, strengthens collaboration across sectors, and encourages a long-term vision for resilient and sustainable development of the nation. 

Before, I conclude, let me extend my sincere appreciation to the Government of the Maldives, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UNFPA Maldives, and the Maldives National University for their invaluable support, collaboration, and commitment in making this event possible.

Thank you once again for your presence.