LocationsUN Assistant Secretary-General, UNDP Assistant Administrator and UNDP Regional Director Kanni Wignaraja Concludes Official Mission to the Maldives
October 14, 2024
United Nations Assistant Secretary-General, UNDP Assistant Administrator, and UNDP Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, Ms. Kanni Wignaraja, with UNDP Maldives Resident Representative Enrico Gaveglia attending the Agri Boat Launching Ceremony
Malé, 11 October 2024: The United Nations Assistant Secretary-General, UNDP Assistant Administrator, and UNDP Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, Ms. Kanni Wignaraja, successfully concluded her official mission to the Maldives today.
Over the course of her three-day visit, Ms. Wignaraja engaged in high-level discussions with the leadership of the Executive and Judicial branches, including key meetings with cabinet ministers, senior government officials, and the Chief Justice. In addition, she met with representatives from development partners, local communities, and civil society organizations. The discussions focused on strengthening UNDP’s ongoing support for the Maldives' development priorities and fostering collaboration to address key challenges facing the nation.
United Nations Assistant Secretary-General, UNDP Assistant Administrator, and UNDP Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, Ms. Kanni Wignaraja, meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs. and Minister of Finance
United Nations Assistant Secretary-General, UNDP Assistant Administrator, and UNDP Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, Ms. Kanni Wignaraja, meeting with Chief Justice.
“The Maldives has come a long way, making significant strides in democratic governance, environmental conservation, and human development. However, like many developing nations, it faces challenges with rising debt, limited cash flow, and high borrowing costs, alongside growing inequalities and an escalating climate crisis,” said Kanni Wignaraja. “For over 45 years, UNDP has been a steadfast partner to the Maldives. Our relationship is built on trust and innovation, as we work together towards a future where the economy works for everyone, and nature is preserved”.
Touring the AgriBoat
The official mission commenced with the launch of the Maldives' first solar-powered Agriboat, held in collaboration with the Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives and national counterparts. The event was presided over by the Minister of Cities, Local Government, and Public Works. This innovative vessel is designed to reduce post-harvest losses, lower emissions, and enhance market access for farmers, providing improved connectivity to clients and customers. The Agriboat exemplifies the Maldives' commitment to sustainable agriculture and resilient food systems, supported by UNDP and its development partners.
UN ASG/ UNDP RD and UNDP Maldives Resident Representative in a visit to Fuvahmulah City accompanied by Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy and the High Commissioner of Australia to the Maldives. Welcomed by Mayor of Fuvahmulah City.
On the second day of her mission, Ms. Wignaraja inaugurated UNDP’s new office premises, sharing in the team’s excitement as they continue their mission for sustainable development in a fresh and inspiring environment. The gathering offered a chance to connect over meaningful conversations and local food, fostering a sense of trust and collective effort.
UN ASG/ UNDP RD and UNDP Maldives Resident Representative in a visit to Fuvahmulah City accompanied by Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy and the High Commissioner of Australia to the Maldives. Welcomed by Mayor of Fuvahmulah City.
Ms. Wignaraja also visited Fuvahmulah alongside the Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy of the Maldives and the Australian High Commissioner, where they were received by the Mayor of Fuvahmulah City. The visit marked the official launch of the 'Maldives Resilient Reef Ecosystem and Economy for the Future' (Maldives RREEF) Project, funded by the Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR). A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between UNDP, the Ministry, and the city councils of Addu and Fuvahmulah, solidifying cooperation on the project’s implementation. The Maldives RREEF initiative aims to protect vital reef ecosystems while promoting sustainable economic growth for island communities.
Signing of MOU - Maldives RREEF Project
In Fuvahmulah City, Ms. Wignaraja expressed her gratitude to the Australian High Commissioner and the Government of Australia for their generous pledge of AUS$ 5 million over the next five years. This commitment will support the conservation of the Maldives' natural assets and the expansion of renewable energy initiatives, reinforcing efforts to protect the environment while advancing sustainable development goals in the country.
Touring of FVM Nature Park by visiting delegates
The delegation also toured Fuvahmulah Nature Park and visited an exhibition highlighting innovative local solutions from grantees of the Plastic Innovation Challenge, supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme.
Visiting exhibition by the GEF-SGP Plastic Innovation Challenge grantees and other exhibitionists
The exhibition showcased community-driven initiatives aimed at addressing plastic waste and environmental challenges. Many of these initiatives are potential beneficiaries of the SME development component of the Maldives RREEF Project, underscoring the project's role in fostering sustainable economic opportunities alongside environmental conservation.
Policy Dialogue on Financing for Sustainable Development
On the final day of her official mission, Ms. Wignaraja delivered an address at the policy dialogue on ‘Financing for Sustainable Development,’ which gathered key stakeholders to address the structural challenges behind high debt levels, their impact on human development, and potential financing solutions for the Maldives' current vulnerabilities. During the event, the Capital Market Development Authority (CMDA), in partnership with UNDP, unveiled the Maldives Sustainability Reporting Framework, the country’s first Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Framework for the corporate sector. This milestone marks a significant step in engaging the private sector in national development efforts and advancing the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Launching of the ESG Framework
Following the agreement, she participated in a Civic Space Conversation, where civil society representatives shared insights on democratic consolidation, the state of the economy, and the impacts of the climate emergency. These discussions highlighted the critical importance of inclusive dialogue in tackling the country's most pressing challenges.
Civic Space Conversation
Ms. Wignaraja also witnessed the signing of a UK Partnership Agreement, co-signed with the UK High Commissioner, aimed at fostering the growth of the Blue Economy in the Maldives. The partnership focuses on empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Blue Economy sector through blended finance mechanisms, enhancing their role in sustainable development.
Signing of Partnership Agreement between UK and UNDP - Empowering MSMEs in the Blue Economy sector through sustainable finance
The mission concluded with a high-level event attended by His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives, co-hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, celebrating UNDP's over 45 years of service and enduring partnership with the Maldives. The event featured the soft launch of an exhibition showcasing some of the Maldives' most significant developmental milestones over the past four and a half decades, supported by UNDP. Additionally, a special edition of UNDP Maldives’ Island Life magazine was launched, highlighting the collaborative efforts that have shaped the Maldives' progress.
UNDP 45+ Official Function
Alluding to the pivotal role UNDP has played in shaping the Maldives' development trajectory, President Dr. Muizzu stated at the function, "The challenges ahead are formidable, but with UNDP on our side and by our side, we are confident in our ability to build a more resilient, inclusive, and prosperous Maldives."