Opening Remarks of UN Resident Coordinator Mr. Hao Zhang delivered at the UNSDCF Joint Steering Committee Meeting

Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ms. Mariyam Midhfa Naeem, Honourable Ministers and Senior Government Officials, Distinguished Members of the Joint Steering Committee, Colleagues from the United Nations Country Team for Maldives, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning and Assalam Alaikum. Thank you all for joining us for the second meeting of this Joint Steering Committee. Today’s meeting is dedicated to the finalization of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for 2027–2031.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
The UNSDCF or the UN Cooperation Framework, is an umbrella strategic instrument. It stands as our collective roadmap for sustainable development, uniquely guiding the UN system’s support. It explains how the UN works together to support national development and achieve the SDGs. The UNSDCF is not just a UN plan. Rather, it constitutes jointly agreed developmental results by the Government and the UN. At its core lies shared ownership and a strong spirit of partnership. And the framework focuses on delivering real, tangible results for people.

As this is the first Joint Steering Committee meeting for the newly appointed members, I would like to take a moment to highlight the role of the Committee within the Cooperation Framework.

The Joint Steering Committee plays a central leadership and oversight role. It sets the strategic direction. Alignment with national development priorities is a core function. Strong accountability for results is reinforced through its guidance. The Committee provides a key platform for dialogue between the Government and the UN system. It guides implementation and monitors the progress. Emerging challenges are addressed through its oversight. Therefore, the leadership of this Committee is essential. For framing the blueprint for UN’s support and make timely adjustments to address unexpected external shocks.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
We have come a long way through the extensive and inclusive process. Many of you have actively contributed at key stages. Starting with the evaluation of the current framework (2022–2026) to capture the lessons learned. Followed by the Country Analysis that helped define the key challenges and opportunities
Which were complemented by strategic prioritisation and thematic discussions, and more recently, just yesterday, the validation session with stakeholders.

I would therefore like to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation. To all stakeholders who have contributed throughout this extensive process. Including the Government ministries and institutions represented here today. As well as partners from civil society, the diplomatic community, private sector, academia and all other stakeholders.

I would like to express our sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, particularly the Multilateral Department, for its strong leadership and partnership throughout the UNSDCF roll-out. Their effective coordination, inclusive approach, and leadership in convening stakeholders have been instrumental. To advance the process and strengthening collaboration between the Government and the United Nations system.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
In closing, I trust that the Cooperation Framework presented today is well aligned with the development needs of the Maldives. Therefore, I encourage your thoughtful attention and constructive discussions today.
To guide the framework to be both strategic and actionable. And at the same time, for the framework to be fully responsive to the evolving developmental landscape. And lastly, I look forward to the next chapter of the six decades-long UN–Maldives partnership.

Thank you