The Maldives has positioned inclusive and age-responsive development as a central policy priority at the 82nd session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, where regional governments are assessing how demographic shifts are reshaping economic and social planning.
The session, held in Bangkok under the theme “Leaving no one behind: advancing a society for all ages in Asia and the Pacific”, brings together member states to examine policy responses to ageing populations and evolving labour dynamics.
Leading the Maldivian delegation, Mohamed Azad, Accountant General at the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises, outlined how demographic change is becoming an increasingly relevant factor for Small Island Developing States. He pointed to the country’s approach of aligning social and economic policies to better respond to these shifts.
The Maldives’ intervention referenced ongoing implementation of the National Ageing Policy and the National Action Plan on Ageing (2025–2028), alongside continued investment in universal healthcare and social protection systems. Efforts to address non-communicable diseases were also presented as part of a broader attempt to manage long-term health and fiscal pressures.
Labour market reforms were another focus of the delegation’s statement, with attention given to skills development, support mechanisms for working families, and initiatives aimed at increasing female workforce participation. Programmes such as the Fashaa Madhadhu Loan Scheme were cited as part of efforts to expand women’s economic participation.
The delegation also highlighted the integration of climate policy and economic planning, noting renewable energy initiatives and resilience-building measures as key areas of focus. It further referenced the role of data-driven policymaking and ongoing digitalisation efforts under the Maldives 2.0 framework.
In parallel to the main session, the Maldives is also playing a procedural role, with its Permanent Representative to ESCAP, Huda Ali Shareef, chairing Intergovernmental Working Group meetings. These sessions are focused on facilitating negotiations among member states on draft resolutions and decisions.
The 82nd session of UNESCAP is scheduled to conclude on 24 April 2026.
