United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in collaboration with the United Nations Country Team in the Maldives and the Ministry of Social and Family Development convened a National Workshop on Social Protection and Leaving No One Behind, bringing together government officials, UN representatives, civil society, for a full-day dialogue on strengthening national capacities to inform inclusive and evidence-based social protection policies. The workshop took place against the backdrop of ongoing global crises and persistent coverage gaps. Despite notable progress, only 55 percent of the population in Asia and the Pacific is currently covered by a social protection scheme. This leaves 45 percent of people without adequate protection against life cycle risks, systemic shocks, and crises, further heightening their vulnerability to poverty, inequality, and socio-economic instability. This national workshop forms part of a broader regional technical assistance project, implemented by ESCAP and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA)during the 2024–2026 period, entitled “Strengthening Capacity for Evidence-Based Social Protection Policies for Responding to the Triple Global Crisis in Fuel, Food and Finance.” The project targets six countries across Africa and the Asia-Pacific region and aims to strengthen social protection systems by building national capacities to identify those furthest behind and to design and implement inclusive, evidence-based, and shock-responsive policies.This initiative seeks to strengthen national capacities by equipping policymakers with the tools and knowledge necessary to identify those left furthest behind and design inclusive, responsive, and sustainable social protection schemes. In the Maldives, this effort aligns with broader development goals and the government’s commitment to eradicating poverty and reducing vulnerability. The Social protection efforts in the Maldives has witnessed steady progress in recent years through contributory and non-contributory programmes covering pensions, disability allowances, and health subsidies. All non-contributory social protection programmes in the country are also supported by legislation, through the enactment of the Pensions Act (2009), Disability Act (2010), Social Health Insurance Act (2011), Social Protection Act (2014) and the Child Rights Protection Act (2019), Public Health Protection Act (2012), Health Care Profession Act (2015) and Human Rights Commission Act (2006). However, significant coverage gaps persist, particularly for informal sector workers, people with disabilities, and those living in remote atolls. To support national efforts in addressing these challenges, the workshop aimed to enhance local capacities within social protection programmes and to identify, reach out to and expand adequate coverage for those left behind.  The workshop introduced participants to key tools developed by ESCAP and DESA, including the Social Protection to Leave No One Behind (SP2LNOB) platform. This online tool allows policymakers to visualize the potential impacts of extending social protection across priority areas such as health, education, nutrition, and living standards. It complements other regional platforms like the Leaving No One Behind (LNOB) platform and the Social Protection Online Toolbox (SPOT) Simulator, currently used in over 27 countries in Asia and the Pacific.Participants engaged in hands-on group exercises using the SP2LNOB tool to analyse Maldives-specific data and explore strategies to inform social protection schemes with evidence. Drawing insights from the dimensions of the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), the exercises highlighted overlapping vulnerabilities and informed discussions on integrating these tools into national policy processes. The workshop also reviewed the current social protection landscape, covering programme design, financing, and crisis responsiveness with presentations from national agencies and UN partners and a concluding ESCAP-led dialogue identifying next steps. This workshop marked a significant step towards building a more inclusive and shock-responsive social protection system in the Maldives. By enhancing national capacity and fostering multi-sector collaboration, it laid the groundwork for sustained progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals and the overarching commitment to ensure that no one is left behind.

Labour migration plays a central role in the Maldives, with tens of thousands of migrant workers contributing to key sectors of the economy. In 2023 alone, over 62,000 foreign workers entered the country—mostly from India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. However, serious challenges persist. Only 36% of the 139,000 work permits issued had corresponding fee payments, pointing to a significant number of undocumented or inactive workers. By December 2023, more than 90,000 Bangladeshi nationals were residing in the Maldives. In response, the government launched “Operation Kurangi” in 2024, registering biometric data from over 43,000 migrants and deporting more than 6,000 undocumented individuals by early 2025.Amid these pressing issues, the Government of Maldives (GoM) has been working to strengthen its migration governance framework in line with the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Since endorsing the GCM in 2018, the Maldives has made gradual progress, supported by the launch of the UN Network on Migration in 2021 to coordinate efforts and provide technical support. A major milestone is the 2024–2028 Labour Migration Country Action Plan, developed by the UN Country Team (UNCT), which outlines six strategic workstreams and promotes a whole-of-government, whole-of-society approach.In April 2025, a high-level UN workshop convened national and international stakeholders to align these efforts with future planning. By integrating migration into national frameworks like the upcoming UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2027–2031), the Maldives moves closer to becoming a GCM champion country and a model for rights-based, sustainable migration governance.

12 May 2025Maldives has become the first country in South Asia to finalise its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), securing its reputation as a trailblazer in climate action. But what sets this national action plan apart is not only its ambition but who it places at the centre: children and young people.This moment is a huge win for child rights; it’s also a shining example of what it means to make climate policy inclusive. In Maldives, climate action is no longer something done for the next generation—it’s being done with them. Why does climate action matter for Maldives?UNICEF/South AsiaComprising of 99 per cent ocean and just 1 per cent land, Maldives is on the frontlines of the climate crisis. Rising sea levels, heat waves, unpredictable weather patterns, flooding, shoreline erosion, and diminishing freshwater supplies are daily realities for its inhabitants.The country lacks natural resources and depends on imported food and basic supplies. As the impacts of the climate crisis worsen, livelihoods will continue to be disrupted, affecting families who were already struggling to make ends meet.Children and young people are paying the highest price. The young generation in Maldives faces increased risks of heat stress, dehydration, and waterborne diseases like dengue and chikungunya. Extreme weather disrupts schooling and threatens safe shelter. Mental health suffers as well, as they worry about climate change and disasters.UNICEF/UNI660095/"The climate crisis is a big problem today, especially for children. We can see the differences between our environment now and when we were young. At present, our environment does not provide children with safe spaces to play or offer them adequate nutrition which leads to health problems. It's very important to be aware of how this is affecting us. We must find solutions before we lose ourselves in this crisis."Ziyan, 22While the challenges are daunting, they present its inhabitants with an opportunity to innovate, adapt and lead – and that’s precisely what Maldives is doing.A climate plan rooted in actionWith the Government leading, with the support of young people, UNICEF and civil society organisations, Maldives' newly submitted NDCs are a blueprint for protecting the country’s future—starting with its children and youth.The Climate Guardians’ initiative, launched by UNICEF, empowers a group of young and committed Maldivians to discuss the challenges confronting their nation, advocate for climate action, and propose solutions both locally and internationally. This programme equipped the Climate Guardians with tools, skills, and knowledge so that they could better engage in consultations, part of the NDC development process, with their peers and civil society.  UNICEF South AsiaHere’s what makes Maldives’ NDCs stand out: Health systems designed to go green and withstand extreme weather – ensure healthcare facilities are low-carbon, flood-resistant, and include mental health services for children affected by disasters. Climate-smart food and nutrition – promote more home-grown, nutritious food and include support for school-based gardening and youth-led agriculture.Access to safe water – invest in rainwater harvesting, solar-powered desalination, and school-based hygiene education.Clean energy and cleaner air – generate 33 per cent of electricity from renewables by 2035, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and protecting children’s health from pollution.Education and skills – integrate climate change into education systems, train educators and create more opportunities in sustainability sectors and green jobs. Evidence generation – expand research and innovation while strengthening data systems.Addressing loss and damage – strengthen financial mechanisms and insurance schemes to help families and communities recover from climate disasters.Disaster readiness that prioritises young people – establish local early warning systems and island-level emergency plans that engage children and young people in decision-making and response.Inclusive governance – ensure youth, women, and marginalised communities are co-creators of all climate-related national plans and actions.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    UNICEF/UNI713720/ShresthaAs a person from a nation that has been deeply impacted by climate change, I voiced concerns for the Maldives NDC to reflect urgency and justice. We young people are not just asking to be heard but demanding to be included in decisions that will shape our survival. During the NDC consultations, I felt that my voice and concerns were acknowledged, and I hope we continue to have more inclusive spaces where everyone’s views are valued.”Abyan, 18, Climate GuardianLesson from Maldives – transforming children and youth from participants to leadersUNICEF/UNI471722/PunMaldives’ decision to engage children and young people in national climate policy is a lesson for all governments. Young people didn’t create the climate crisis, but they will inherit its consequences. It is only right – and respectful - that they are at the table when decisions are made.Children bring creativity, urgency, and lived experience to the table. They challenge outdated thinking and demand the long view.For Maldives, the NDCs are one example. The Government of Maldives and UNICEF have long invested in efforts that ensure youth are not just heard but empowered. Programs, such as Climate Guardians, have trained young Maldivians in environmental leadership, enabling them to participate in delegations on climate action at global forums such as COP. They have supported tree planting, organised beach clean-ups, and helped to shape local climate action plans.UNICEF is also developing child-friendly early warning systems, so that children can understand and respond to climate disasters, with initiatives aiming to benefit 50,000 children and youth across the islands. “Climate change is the defining challenge of our time — and its impacts are no longer distant threats, but present realities. For Small Island Developing States like the Maldives, extreme weather events, and ecosystem loss threaten not only our environment, but our children’s future. We must act with urgency and unity to ensure that the youngest and most vulnerable inherit a safe, healthy, and resilient world. Securing the future of our children means confronting the climate crisis today, with courage, compassion, and conviction.”Amjad Abdulla, Director General, Ministry of Tourism and Environment Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, MaldivesA Wake-Up Call for the RegionUNICEF/Maldives//YameenWith this submission, Maldives has become a torchbearer for the rest of South Asia. At a time when only 19 countries globally have submitted updated NDCs, Maldives is not only ahead of the curve, it has raised the bar by prioritising child rights and youth leadership. Now it’s time for others to follow. For Maldives, the Government must sustain the gains. Keep the momentum: Implement child-focused priorities in the NDC. Ensure youth participation remains a central pillar: Safeguard young people’s right to participate in the planning, monitoring, and accountability of all climate change-related decision-making. Invest in scale: Support youth-led programs, such as Climate Guardians, and expand child-friendly early warning systems and clean energy to reach every atoll. For governments across South Asia, this is an opportunity to do better and do more. Learn from Maldives: Use this moment as inspiration to develop or update NDCs that put children and youth at the heart of climate action. Involve the next generation in climate planning from day one. Co-create, don’t just consult. Prioritise child-centric social sectors: strengthen delivery of critical lifesaving services such as WASH, health, education in the NDCs and climate policies. Partner with UNICEF to access tools, data, expertise and resources for developing tailored child-sensitive climate policy. Climate change impacts everyone and everything. Despite the challenges, the Maldives exemplifies how to do things better.And it all starts with the question: What kind of world do we want to leave for our children? This article is first published at UNICEF Maldives website on A Small Nation with a Big Message: Children Belong at the Heart of Climate ActionTo learn more about the works of UNICEF Maldives Please visit UNICEF Maldives 

WHO Maldives in collaboration with Planning and International Health Relations (PIIR) Division of Ministry of Health, recently concluded a successful training on Global Health Diplomacy. Held from 21-24 April 2025, the event was supported by the International Health Policy Program Foundation (IHPP) of Thailand.​Globally, Maldives plays a pivotal role within WHO and among Small Island Developing States (SIDS) by championing health resilience, digital innovation, and climate adaptation; serving as a global leader in advancing sustainable health systems tailored to the unique challenges faced by island nations.The training, attended by 40 participants, aimed to build critical capacities in global health diplomacy, equipping delegates from the Maldives with essential international skills such as strategic understanding, negotiation, effective coordination, and targeted intervention in global health discussions. The initiative was especially significant as it strengthened the participants' ability to bridge technical program expertise with high-level policy decisions, preparing them to effectively engage and influence key international forums, including the forthcoming 78th Session of the World Health Assembly.Historically, the Ministry of Health has consistently engaged in various international workshops, seminars, and governance-level meetings. Reflecting on past experiences, the recent training emphasized strengthening practical diplomatic competencies among participants, including negotiation tactics, effective advocacy, and strategic communication skills.Sessions explored essential topics such as the principles and practice of health diplomacy, the global health landscape, negotiation techniques, and approaches to tackling global health challenges through diplomatic means. Participants underscored the value of the training in helping them understand the interplay between public health, international relations, law, economics, and human rights.During his remarks, WHO Maldives Medical Officer Dr Padmal de Silva acknowledged IHPP's valuable contribution, highlighting the Foundation’s longstanding commitment to supporting health diplomacy capacity-building in the Maldives, with a similar successful training conducted previously in 2017. Given regular staff rotations and changes at senior policy levels, this refresher training was deemed critical.State Minister of Health Ms Khadheeja Abdul Samad highlighted the importance of the training and expressed appreciation for WHO's valuable support throughout the past six decades of collaboration with the Government of Maldives. She further emphasized the Government's dedication to keeping health as a central priority in international dialogues, ultimately improving the well-being of citizens and making meaningful contributions to global health progress.Health diplomacy remains integral to addressing complex health issues such as pandemics, antimicrobial resistance, and climate change impacts, and WHO continues to play a central and committed role guiding member states in setting health agendas, developing international health standards, and advocating health priorities globally.This article is first published at WHO Maldives website on Building Bridges: Maldives enhances capacity in Global Health DiplomacyTo learn more about the works of WHO Maldives Please visit WHO Maldives | World Health Organization