Maldives Pledges Inclusive Growth and Age-Responsive Policies at UNESCAP Bangkok Summit

The Maldives has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive, age-responsive development during the 82nd session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in Bangkok. Speaking under the theme “Leaving no one behind: advancing a society for all ages in Asia and the Pacific,” the Maldivian delegation emphasized the need for policies that adapt to shifting demographics, a challenge increasingly urgent for Small Island Developing States. Leading the delegation, Mohamed Azad, Accountant General at the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises, detailed the government's strategic roadmap to support an aging population. Key pillars of this approach include the implementation of the National Ageing Policy and the upcoming National Action Plan on Ageing (2025–2028). Azad noted that these frameworks are supported by sustained investments in universal healthcare and social protection, with a specific focus on combating non-communicable diseases. Beyond elderly care, the Maldives is prioritizing economic inclusivity and workforce modernization. The delegation highlighted initiatives to strengthen the labor market through skill development and targeted support for working families. A significant emphasis was placed on women’s economic empowerment, specifically through the “Fashaa Madhadhu” Loan Scheme, designed to increase women's participation in the national economy. The Maldivian representative also linked inclusive development to environmental and technological resilience. This includes a push for renewable energy and climate adaptation measures to protect vulnerable populations. Furthermore, the government is accelerating its digital transformation under the "Maldives 2.0" strategy, aiming to utilize data-driven policymaking to improve public service delivery. Contributing to the summit's leadership, Huda Ali Shareef, the Maldives’ Permanent Representative to ESCAP, is currently chairing the Intergovernmental Working Group meetings. In this role, she is facilitating critical negotiations among Member States regarding draft resolutions and policy decisions. The 82nd session of UNESCAP is set to continue its deliberations until April 24, 2026.