Maldives Partnership Forum (MPF) 2019 is a reflection of the government’s determination and desire to engage with international partners as it works to fulfill its pledges to Maldivians, says President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
Solih made these remarks during the initiation of the fourth edition of MPF, at Kurumba Maldives on Monday morning.
Adding that it is very apparent on how development must occur in harmony with the government’s resources in order to ensure the existence of the small island state, Solih said that development will allow the continuity of a prosperous livelihood that is dependent on the factors of a “Jazeera Raajje” or island nation, which is the government’s promise to Maldivians.
“Maldives boasts a young and enterprising population, eager to embrace innovation, technology, and urban development. But in the age of the current geological age, Maldives is learning that we cannot sacrifice our natural foundations for short term developmental gains. As such, my administration’s manifesto and policies are a reflection of these sentiments. Despite the many strides made by the Maldives within a very short time frame, it is evident that Maldives has still not reached its full potential and more importantly, that the benefits of this development has not reached all Maldivians”President Solih
Noting that Maldives' depends on its beautiful natural environment, President emphasized that the country remains “extremely” vulnerable to the forces of nature.
Going on to state that Maldives dependence on imported fossil fuel and food sources leaves the country at the mercy of fluctuating global supply and prices, Solih added that the young population of the country depends heavily on good governance.
Jazeera Raajje highlights the importance of building resilience to withstand the impacts of climate change, face challenges of political instability and global issues such as gender inequality, corruption and violent extremism.
“Maldivians want justice, equitable development so that they do not have to travel far from their homes for basic services, public facilities and institutions that meet the best standards, and an accountable Government”President Solih
Stressing that "the fruits of our labor must be equitable across the entire community," Solih state that the government’s priorities include reducing dependence on fossil fuels, investing in waste management, safe water and sanitation, providing skills and support for young people to contribute to economic growth and improving our governance mechanisms to be innovative and aligned with technological advancements.
“It is high time that we confronted ourselves with the great injustice we have done to those who hail from islands outside of the greater Male’ region, who have not been the beneficiaries of the same level of development, nor provided the same basic resources or accorded the same level of priority in policymaking circles. For decades, people in the outer islands have had to travel to Male’ to meet their basic needs, including for health and education, contributing to an urban crisis in the capital that if left unaddressed will prove difficult to resolve”President Solih
Solih added that economic development and the provision of basic service must encompass the entirety of the country and that the government believes local communities are the best judges of how their own atolls and islands must be developed.
As such, the government has already begun work to implement policies which increase the financial independence of local councils.
“The enormity of the task before us beckons our honesty. We cannot, in truth, bring about the full promise of ‘Jazeera Raajje’ of our own accord. We need the support and positive engagement of our longstanding development partners, many of whom we have already been co-operating with on multiple areas”President Solih
During the inauguration ceremony, joined by Vice President Faisal Naseem, Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Cabinet Ministers, resident and non-resident Ambassadors and senior officials of the Government, President Solih and ministers recognized the valuable contribution of strategic partnerships in realizing the Government’s national development agenda and highlighted the importance of inclusivity and sustainability in development.
Also speaking during the forum, Maldives Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Shahid sought support and assistance in bringing equal development to all parts of Maldives.
He went on to reiterate Solih’s sentiments on empowering local councils and private sectors under the decentralization act and highlighted that participants of the forum will be briefed on the schemed and projects set to be carried out under “blue exonomy” and good governance.
Further, Minister of Finance, Ibrahim Ameer stated that Maldives has reached several heights in bringing development for the people, in the past. However, he stressed that not all Maldivians benefit from these developments. He went on to urge the participants to join the government’s development agenda through the forum.
Plenary sessions on Macroeconomic and Fiscal Overview, Blue Economy and Enhancing Social Outcomes will take place over the course of the day.
Co-hosted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Finance, the MPF will take place over a two-day course and ends on Tuesday.
