President Dr Mohamed Muizzu praised the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for its key role in shaping the Maldives’ development during his address at the ceremony celebrating UNDP's 45th anniversary in the country.

President Dr Muizzu highlighted that this 45-year partnership with the United Nations has been crucial in addressing the aspirations and challenges of the Maldivian people. He noted that the Maldives-UNDP collaboration is based on shared values of progress, development, and human dignity, with a focus on sustainable development and ensuring that every Maldivian can thrive.

Reflecting on UNDP’s contributions, the President discussed the Maldives' journey from being one of the least economically developed nations to becoming a modern, resilient country. He credited UNDP’s consistent presence since 1978, particularly its vital role in helping the Maldives graduate from Least Developed Country status in 2011.

Over the years, UNDP has expanded its work beyond basic development needs to initiatives addressing climate resilience, economic diversification, social inclusion, women’s empowerment, good governance, and institutional reform, the President added.

President Dr Muizzu also outlined his administration’s goal to make the Maldives a fully developed nation by 2040, with a strong emphasis on the digital economy and sustainable development. He expressed gratitude for UNDP’s ongoing support, particularly in developing the country's twenty-year development plan and the Government's Strategic Action Plan (SAP), which are currently in progress.

He thanked the United Nations for its enduring and invaluable contribution to the Maldives' development over the years.