The Permanent Representative of Maldives to the United Nations, Ambassador Thilmeeza Hussain, has reiterated the Maldives' belief that sustainable development cannot be achieved without the full, equal, effective and meaningful participation of women in all facets of life.

Ambassador Thilmeeza made these remarks during her statement at the 2023 Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Partnership Forum on accelerating the recovery from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at all levels, on Tuesday.

In her statement, Ambassador Thilmeeza said that the pandemic compounded aspects of gender equality as women bore the brunt from the economic fallout of the pandemic and reiterated Maldives’ call that sustainable development cannot be achieved without the full, equal, effective and meaningful participation of women in all facets of life.

She emphasized that the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on Maldives’ economy and demonstrated the impacts of a steep and sudden contraction on its critical tourism industry.

The Ambassador went on to state that Maldives recognized that economic recovery required even and fair vaccination; increased health spending and strong measures in place to contain the outbreak; while supporting vulnerable households and businesses most affected by the crises.

Ambassador Thilmeeza further stressed that the success of Maldives’ actions strongly depended on the partnerships forged under the leadership of President Solih – between all levels of Government from national to local; with the private sector and civil society and media; and with the strong support of our international partners including the United Nations.

The Partnership Forum is an annual meeting held under the auspices of ECOSOC, bringing together governments, the private and non-profit sectors, UN entities and civil society to collaborate and foster discussion on how partnerships can advance international development.