“The Government is committed to a development approach that puts ‘people’ at its core”, said Minister of Foreign Affairs Ms Dunya Maumoon. Speaking at the Interactive Dialogue on “Tackling Inequalities, empowering women and girls, and leaving no one behind”, held during the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Minister Dunya outlined the approach Maldives took to addressing inequality in the Maldives. She informed the High-Level attendees that Maldives started addressing inequality with a focus on socio-economic equality, including ensuring access to education, and health services for all, and also on the provision of public housing.
Addressing the role of women, Minister Dunya noted that Maldivian women have always been a prominent part of Maldivian labour force and economic activities. She also noted that challenges remained in addressing unemployment of women, increasing women’s role in formal political activity and in tackling gender-based violence.
Minister Dunya asserted that “there is no compelling argument” and “no shortage of solutions”, but a lack of political will to address the inequality that still exists. She called on the international community to “do what is required” including addressing the inequalities among our countries.
The summary of discussions from the Interactive Dialogues will form part of the outcome of the Sustainable Development Summit. There will be six Interactive Dialogues held during the Summit.
ENDS
