The Cooperation Framework is the highest-level strategic planning and implementation framework of the United Nations at the country level.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Government of the Republic of Maldives and the United Nations today signed the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2027–2031, reaffirming their shared commitment to advancing sustainable, inclusive and resilient development for the people of the Maldives.
The Cooperation Framework was signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Her Excellency Iruthisham Adam on behalf of the Government of the Maldives and United Nations Resident Coordinator Hao Zhang on behalf of the United Nations. The ceremony was attended by senior Government officials and heads of United Nations entities.
The Cooperation Framework is the highest-level strategic planning and implementation framework of the United Nations at the country level. Serving as the blueprint for the United Nations Development System's collective support to the Maldives, it outlines shared priorities and coordinated actions to help advance national development priorities and accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) over the next five years.
The new Cooperation Framework was developed through an extensive and inclusive consultative process involving Government institutions, United Nations entities, development partners, civil society, academia, the private sector and other stakeholders. It reflects a shared vision for addressing the Maldives' evolving development priorities while ensuring that no one is left behind.As an Upper Middle-Income Country and a Small Island Developing State, the Maldives faces unique opportunities and challenges. Through the new Cooperation Framework, the United Nations will continue to provide integrated policy advice, strengthen evidence-based decision-making, support institutional and human capacity development, and foster strategic partnerships that help deliver sustainable and lasting development outcomes.
The Cooperation Framework builds on the longstanding partnership between the Government of Maldives and the United Nations and reinforces the UN's commitment to supporting nationally led development. Guided by the principles of human rights, gender equality, sustainability, resilience and accountability, it provides a shared roadmap for collective action towards achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister of Foreign Affairs Her Excellency Iruthisham Adam stated that the signing of the UNSDCF 2027–2031 symbolises a shared commitment to shaping a prosperous and resilient future for the Maldives. She noted that the support provided through the United Nations is grounded in His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu, President of Maldives, vision for a fully developed Maldives by 2040. She called for partnerships that support the Maldives in mobilising sustainable financing, lasting technology, and expertise, and to invest in its people, strengthen institutions, enhance resilience, and expand State and productive capacity. She emphasised that the success of the Framework must be measured by the tangible and positive changes it brings to the lives of the Maldivian people.
United Nations Resident Coordinator Hao Zhang underscored that the signing marks the beginning of a new phase of implementation. He highlighted the broad and inclusive consultation process that shaped the Framework and reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to working with the Government and partners to translate its priorities into meaningful results for the people of the Maldives. With 16 United Nations entities working together under the Framework, he emphasised the importance of delivering coordinated, effective and impactful support to the Maldives over the next five years.
Implementation of the Cooperation Framework will be carried out jointly by the Government of Maldives and the United Nations through 16 UN agencies, funds and programmes, namely, FAO, IFAD, ILO, IOM, UNDP, UNDRR, UNEP, ESCAP, UNESCO, UNFPA, UN-Habitat, UNHCR, UNICEF, UNIDO, UNODC and WHO that are signatory to the framework. A governance mechanism will be established to ensure strategic oversight, regular review of progress and continued alignment with national priorities throughout the 2027–2031 period.
The signing marks an important milestone in the enduring partnership between the Government of Maldives and the United Nations. As the world enters the final years of the 2030 Agenda, the new Cooperation Framework provides a renewed platform for working together to build a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable future for all people in the Maldives.
