UNSDCF Joint Steering Committee meeting 2026 -Closing Remarks by Secretary, Multilateral, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency, Ambassador Mr. Ahmed Shiaan

The strength of our partnership is key to the success of the UNSDCF

UN Resident Coordinator Hao Zhang, Excellencies, and Distinguished Colleagues,

As today's meeting draws to a close, I wish to express my sincere appreciation for your constructive engagement and contributions to the UNSDCF formulation process.

Today's discussion reflects our shared commitment to aligning national priorities with the Sustainable Development Goals and the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Small Island Developing States.

It reaffirmed the importance of enabling data-driven policymaking to better address both existing and emerging challenges, including climate shocks, fiscal pressures, and demographic shifts, alongside evolving national priorities.

The insights also highlighted the need for a framework that is flexible, forward-looking and responsive. A framework that is grounded in regular review, and the capacity to adapt programmes to changing realities.

As we proceed to the next stages, let me bring three points to your attention.

First, the continuity of the strong coordination across all stakeholders to ensure this process remains inclusive, transparent, and aligned across Government, the UN, and our development partners.

Second, the translation of our priorities into clear, actionable, and time-bound measures, with a strong focus on implementation and delivering tangible results. What we want is focused attention on selected priorities, to ensure effective implementation.

Third, the need to ensure the insights shared today are carried forward into the next stages of the UNSDCF for in a coherent and impactful framework.

Allow me to, once again, thank the UN Resident Coordinator, the UN Country Team, and all stakeholders for their continued support throughout this process.

The strength of our partnership is key to the success of the UNSDCF. Let us continue to work together with clarity, purpose, and a commitment to delivering meaningful and sustainable outcomes that improve the lives of the Maldivian people.

I thank you