Maldives emphasized the need for holistic, inclusive development that puts people at the centre as it highlighted the country’s priorities as the general debate began on social development at the Third Committee of the 69th Session of the General Assembly. 

social development

In its statement, the Maldives noted that the Government of President Yameen Abdul Gayoom is committed to delivering policies that are youth-targeted and youth-oriented because of the large young population in the country.  Major projects, such as the development of “Youth City” would become a major hub for employment, innovation and social welfare, it was announced.  At the same time, the country’s ageing population is on the rise at a rapid pace, legislation and policies have been aimed at addressing financial security, healthcare, shelter and legal protection for senior citizens.  The Maldives has also, in the recent past, enacted policies ensuring gender parity, offering provisions for persons with disabilities as well as special programmes for the welfare of the children.

 

Maldives reminded the Committee that while advancing social development, the challenges of climate change cannot be ignored.  Referring to the recently held Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States in Samoa, the Maldives argued that because sustainable development of SIDS are severely undermined by climate change, sovereignty and viability of countries like the Maldives are dependent upon global action towards reducing carbon emissions.  Climate-resilient pathways must be integrated into the post-2015 development agenda, the Committee was told.

The statement was delivered by Shiruzimath Sameer, Representative of the Maldives Delegation.