Adnan Cheema has officially commenced his tenure as the new Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to the Maldives, following a formal credential presentation to Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Abdulla Khaleel. The meeting took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Cheema will lead UNDP’s efforts in the Maldives at a time when the country is intensifying its drive to attain developed country status by 2040. His responsibilities include overseeing the agency’s development programmes and ensuring strategic collaboration with the Maldivian Government, civil society, international development partners, and the broader UN system.
The UNDP has had a longstanding presence in the Maldives, and Cheema’s appointment signals continued engagement in areas such as climate resilience, economic diversification, public sector reform, and inclusive governance. Discussions during the meeting included priorities for the upcoming Country Programme Document (CPD) for 2026–2030, which is intended to align with the government’s national development agenda.
Minister Khaleel acknowledged the UNDP’s role in supporting national priorities and welcomed the continuation of a strong working relationship.
Cheema brings over three decades of international development experience, having served in various senior roles across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Prior to his assignment in the Maldives, he was Deputy Resident Representative in Myanmar. His previous roles include leading programmes in Iraq, Sudan, and Yemen, and directing country-level operations for an international NGO.
With academic qualifications from SOAS and the University of Bristol, Cheema’s expertise spans development planning, crisis response, and climate adaptation. His appointment comes at a time when the Maldives is navigating complex development challenges, and his leadership is expected to play a key role in advancing the country’s sustainable development goals.
