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in the Maldives Newsletter Issue 12 July - September 2013 Message from the Resident Coordinator Mr. Tony E. Lisle In 2011, the UN signed a new UNDAF with the Maldives Government for the period of 2011-2015. This UNDAF addresses five pillars of development and was aligned to the Strategic Action Plan 2009-2013 of the Government. We are now undertaking a Mid-Term Review (MTR) of the UNDAF. One of the key objectives of this review is to ensure that the UNDAF remains relevant to the development needs of the country. It is hoped that the process will help set realistic targets and dedicate resources with a shared understanding of constraints and risks for implementation in the current context. The UNDAF MTR process which commenced in late May 2013 will help to identify areas where clear results can be achieved over the next two years. The "Low Emission Climate Resilient Development (LECReD)" Programme, is another important ongoing work. The LECReD builds on existing interventions, taking an integrated ecosystem based approach to addressing the environmental, social and economic vulnerabilities facing the Maldives. This programme undertaken with support from the Maldives Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) will be area based and engages key UN partners in joint delivery. With the elapse in time since the original formulation, the UNCT has agreed to review the framework document to ensure relevance, sustainability and opportunities for scaling of joint investments, with a particular emphasis on aligning of LECReD with the Government's SREP Investment Plan. The ongoing Post 2015 deliberation provides us a valuable opportunity to refocus our attention to the MDGs and
identify ways to accelerate MDG achievements by 2015. The Maldives will be publishing a new MDG report later this year which will highlight achievements and provide recommendations to accelerate towards 2015. This process ties in well with the work underway on the Post 2015 development agenda, particularly in identifying priorities for the future we want. The UN MY World Survey which invites people to voice their priorities for the next global development agenda is now underway in the Maldives. This quarter will also see important political developments including the September presidential election. UNDP has supported Elections Commission of Maldives since its inception, and the Commission is a key partner in UNDP's Integrated Governance Programme. In response to a request from the Government of Maldives to support the country's Presidential Election in 2013,
the UN deployed a Needs Assessment Mission in December 2012 to identify and assess key areas of support. Crucial areas of assistance identified by the UN Needs Assessment Mission include building capacity in the areas of institutional and human resource, voter education and outreach efforts and support to the administration of elections. In line with the Needs Assessment Report, the UNDP Integrated Governance Programme has been supporting the Elections Commission and other electoral stakeholders in the areas of capacity building including deployment of a senior Governance Advisor, training of polling officials, voter education, elections security and community outreach for ensuring a free, fair and credible elections.
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MY World launched Gender Based Violence UNODC Regional Programme MSME Bill State of the World’s Children Report MA Social Policy supported by UNICEF UNICEF MTR Low Carbon Energy Island Strategies Tripartite Dialogue Consultations Visit of SR on Violence Against Children Support to Police Structures and Services Health Promotion UNEP NIE Roundtable Discussion
Your Voice Counts: MY World Survey launched in Maldives
Education Minister Dr. Asim Ahmed Launching MY World in Maldives Photo: UNRCO Maldives 2013
Though you may be small, your voice also counted. That was the key message as Maldives launched the MY World´s communication campaign – “Mark a Difference”in June. The Minister of Education, Dr. Asim Ahmed officially launched the campaign at the UN Building on on 16th of June. The special launch event was attended by government officials, heads of independent institutions, students, media and MY World ambassadors was held at the UN building.
message of MY World to the people and encouraging people to vote.
The campaign was launched with a plethora of promotional material produced with the support of local personalities in different spheres of life. Maldives top football player, Ali Ashfag and rising singer/song writer Mishy Athif are the two main ambassadors and are featured in the posters and other promotion materials. A number of Maldivian personalities from the fields of Speaking at the launch, Dr. Asim sports, show business, civil society, Though Maldives may be small, Ahmed noted that Maldives' MY politics, business and youth leaders have our voices count, and the MY World participation is extremely been featured in the localized MY World World Survey is an valuable, because although a small videos. A far reaching media campaign opportunity to have our voice counted - Dr. Asim Ahmed island nation in the Indian Ocean was also started with UN Maldives staff with a population of approximately appearing on television programmes to 321,000 people, it is an opportunity give information about the survey. The for Maldivians to have their voices MY World campaign is supported by four counted and share their top priorities for a better, and just of the biggest companies in the Maldives, State Trading world. Resident Corodinator, Mr. Lisle noted that the MY Organisation (STO), Dhiraagu, Wataniya and Think. The World Global Survey provided citizens with the companies are part of the local Global Compact network. opportunity to prioritise national development goals and highlight their aspirations for the future. He highlighted the importance of the Survey to inform global policy makers about Maldives' most significant priorities beyond 2015. The MY World campaign is led by the UN Resident Coordinator's Office, with help from government offices, state institutions, civil society, and private sector partners. A group of youth volunteers has been mobilized to undertake the survey through out the capital city, Male'. The volunteers were also out on the roads taking the
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Amina, The face of the many women in her community who suffers in silence. “Speak now or forever hold your peace.” In remote islands across the Maldivian archipelago close knitted communities are “forever holding their peace” on gender violence. Social stigma silences victims and witnesses alike. In June, a team from the UNFPA Maldives Country office visited few islands on a gender based violence fact finding mission. We observed the response of the authorities and communities alike. The findings helped understand the dynamics in these islands where much needs to be done in creating awareness on such issues.
world. Many of the cases remain hidden and unattended and it is the woman or her close relative who is reluctant to disclose it. Amina was resigned to her own fate, enduring her husband's indifference while being required to give into her husband's every demand. Everyone who knows her is aware of her miserable life but no one volunteers to stand up against it. To Amina it may seem that she has no choice as she depends on her husband. They have two children. Neither Amina nor anyone in the island has stood up against this breach of her inherent human right. Upon these findings, we were curious. Our reaction on hearing these cases were to find out how the police, the health centre or the council supports victims of domestic violence and child abuse.
It is a complicated task to approach a stranger to casually talk about a social taboo such as domestic Yes, my neighbour is abused by her husband, but I don’t dare violence. Silence, speak about it. hesitation and then finally A general coordination among a look of acknowledgment authorities does not seem to be working “yes my neighbor is well in favour of clear support and abused by her husband, but I don't dare speak about protocols to follow. A victim does not know whom it.” A leak to the community will create social stigma to contact first, seeking help either at police, the on the victim who bears the brunt of it forever. health centre or the local support NGO. In this Muslim community, everyone is taught religion, respect and good values. Despite these, abuse, violence and other forms of crime prevail. Here, women carry on with their lives performing their gender roles defined by the community. Where awareness on gender issues and the rights of individuals are concerned, they seem to be dormant, in need of a sudden awakening, the realization of one's own rights for their own protection. Despite the presence of Police, the Island Council, the local Magistrate and the religious head, a woman can still get sucked into the whims of an abusive partner and continue to live entangled in her isolated abusive
Many women continue their lives at home, living in silence. Domestic violence cases are yet to be brought to forefront of social concerns. UNFPA Maldives is currently providing the technical support to develop health sector response plan for gender based violence and build health sector capacity to provide services for GBV survivors. Visit to the islands was organized by UNFPA country office together with Ministry of Health. The team was accompanied by the consultant who was working under programme activity.
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Regional Programme launched Government Representatives Photo: UNODC 2013
South Asia: Promoting the rule of law and countering drugs and crime in South Asia - the UNODC Regional Programme for South Asia (2013 -2015) On 29 May 2013, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Regional Office for South Asia, based in New Delhi, India launched its Regional Programme for South Asia (2013-2015). The Regional Programme was developed under a consultative process with the Governments of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka, which started with an Expert Group Meeting in June 2012. It sets out UNODC's strategic priorities in its mandated work areas for the next three years and comprises five sub-programmes: (i) Countering Transnational Organized Crime and Illicit trafficking, including Drug Trafficking (ii) Countering Corruption (iii) Terrorism Prevention (iv) Promoting efficient, fair and humane criminal justice systems (v) Drug use prevention and treatment and HIV and AIDS prevention and care During its implementation period, the Regional Programme will address three inter-linked areas of concern: (i) generation of data and strategic analysis, (ii) adoption of legislation and policies in line with relevant UN Conventions and international standards and (iii) capacity-building and training of public officials and practitioners by bringing to the region global knowledge products and best international practices. At the launch event, Representatives from the six South Asian Governments of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka expressed their appreciation for the Regional Programme and welcomed the timely initiative.
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Referring to the common challenges and vulnerabilities in the region, they highlighted the need for a stronger knowledge base across countries and for increased regional cooperation and partnerships to deal with the emerging trends in organized crime. The UNODC Regional Programme for South Asia (20132015) aims to set a strategic vision for UNODC cooperation in the region. In doing so, UNODC aims to move gradually from a project-led approach to a strategic definition of its priorities at the regional level within its mandated work areas. The priorities defined in the programme result from a substantive, thorough dialogue with concerned Governments, civil society and international partners - from the Regional Programme for South Asia Government Representatives called for continuous support in drug law enforcement as well as in drug use and HIV prevention and treatment, an area in which UNODC has traditionally helped build capacities. Suggestions included the establishment of a regional data bank as well as a Delhi-based committee in which Representatives of all six countries could regularly discuss the progress of the implementation of the Regional Programme and latest regional trends in drugs and crime. The need for increased funding to the region and this new Regional Programme was also highlighted. In addition to Representatives from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka, the launch event was attended by Representatives from diplomatic missions, community partners and the United Nations system
Law Passed in the Maldives to Support Small Business UNDP partnered with Government to ensure the MSME Bill saw light of day The objective of the Ministry is to ensure effective implementation of these special provisions on financial assistance, market access and formalization of the sector such that these enterprises are given the opportunity to grow and make a meaningful contribution to economic growth,” said Abdulla Ameen, Minister of State for Economic Development. Parliament passed the SME Bill in March, which seeks to provide access to finance; promote business skills, experience and market power of the MSME sector; coordinate Government policies and programs for MSMEs; and provide employment opportunities with MSMEs - to facilitate the sector becoming an innovative, resilient and locally and globally competitive force. “In the Maldives, small businesses are the backbone of the economy and what upholds communities. It is important that mechanisms and plans are in place to create conditions to help them grow, and guarantee success for the MSME sector. They are the real drivers of economic growth that could reduce poverty and related vulnerabilities in the country,” said Azusa Kubota, Officer-in-Charge of UNDP Maldives. The SME legislation ensures that small businesses are able to have access to finance, gain experiences and are able to create more mutually beneficial employment opportunities. Photo: UNDP 2013
The President of the Maldives ratified the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Bill in April 2013. The Small and Medium Enterprises Act governs the policies and principles for regulating micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Maldives. The factors inhibiting the MSME sector in the Maldives are many and varied, with access to finance and lack of business development skills being the most significant. The Ministry of Economic Development (MED), with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) provided technical support to ensure the conception of the Bill that will ultimately lead to the setting up of an MSME Council. “The SME Bill includes important provisions to address the main challenges facing the SME sector.
MSMEs have been creating jobs and contributing to the GDP. Ms. Kubota stated that the Act comes at an opportune time, as despite the fact that they are a source of employment for a significant proportion of the population of Maldives, till today, there has been no legal system specifically tailored to regulate and support these enterprises. Under the project 'Gender and Economic Empowerment', and later, 'Employment and Enterprise Development for Women and Youth', UNDP has been partnering with MED from the onset to conduct research in the MSME area; from an SME mapping, a feasibility study to establish an SME Bank in the Maldives, as well as a legislative roadmap - prior to engaging professional expertise to draft SME regulation and the actual MSME Bill. The successful implementation of this Act will pave way for formalizing the MSME sector and enable compilation of sector data to facilitate evidence based policymaking in the areas of economic policy, and assist in the economic diversification strategy.
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Signing of the Joint UNICEF - COL Initiative Photo: UNICEF Maldives 2013
Master of Arts in Social Policy Supported by UNICEF A Master of Arts programme in Social Policy, a joint initiative between the Centre for Open Learning of the Maldives National University, UNICEF Maldives Country Office and UNICEF Regional Office for South Asia, commenced on 23 June 2013 at the Maldives National University.
The Master's Course is specifically designed to prepare mid level professionals for policy leadership, with a focus on the rights of the child. Twenty students have been selected for the first batch from a wide range of applicants from the Government and NGOs. This course will equip policy makers with the conceptual framework and practical skills necessary to design and implement effective social policy. Students will be trained in analytical thinking and evidence based policy making in the areas of health care, education, environment, inequality and justice. Specific focus will be placed on policies for children, women, elders and vulnerable populations.
Lessons will be delivered through the executive education method by faculty, lecturers, and guest speakers who have first-hand knowledge and experience on the topics covered in the Course. They will combine real-life and practical experience with the latest theory and research to provide Course participants with new ways to analyse and find solutions to the policy challenges they face. The executive education method will also allow the Course participants to actively share their own knowledge and experience to strengthen the network with other participants. To facilitate the attendance of mid-career professionals and executives, some subjects will be delivered through a combination of online and face-to-face lectures.
Launch of the State of the World’s Children Report: 2013 Children with disabilities are likely to encounter different forms of exclusion and vulnerabilities depending on factors such as the type of disability they have, where they live and the culture or class to which they belong. This year's UNICEF publication of the State of the World's Children is dedicated to Children with Disabilities; a relevant and important subject in the context of Maldives. The Report was officially launched by UNICEF Maldives on 3rd of June, at Imaduddin School, by the Minister of Gender, Family and Human Rights, Ms.Azima Shakoor and Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Mr. Abdul Muhsin. The most prominent guests at this ceremony were special children themselves, who came along with parents, caregivers and teachers. A number of new NGOs that have recently begun work on the subject of
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children with disabilities also attended the launch. Introducing the report, the UNICEF Representative to the Maldives, Ms. Zeba Tanvir Bukhari, said that children with disabilities are likely to be marginalized as they are generally considered disadvantaged. Their talents may remain unexplored due to being side-lined. This exposes them to greater vulnerability. Mentioning the principle of Equity, she stated that all children including the disabled, hold rights of all forms, committed by the State after ratifying the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Ms. Bukhari also made references to the Maldivian children with disability using recent data and information. Currently access to education for children with disabilities is severely limited in the Maldives. Even where there is access to education, teaching is not conducted in inclusive classrooms. Figures from 2009 show that there was then an estimated number of 2,250 children identified with disabilities in the country, out of which only 230 children were enrolled in a school.
Mid Term Review of UNICEF Maldives Country Programme 2011 -2015 The current Country Programme of UNICEF and Government of the Maldives (2011-2015) focusses on upstream work for the progressive and equitable realization of the rights of children and women. The Country Programme is designed to respond to the country's graduation to middle-income status in 2011 and the shift in UNICEF's engagement with more upstream policy support, development of strategic partnerships for children, and the monitoring of results within the UNDAF 2011-2015. As required, a Mid Term review (MTR) process was to be undertaken in 2013. The process began early in the year with the purpose of taking stock of the experience to date in terms of the results planned and those achieved, and to make changes in the programme based on lessons learned. The participatory process followed involved two workshops with partners. The invitees included Government and NGO partners along with UN colleagues. Furthermore, Focus Group Discussions were held with island based health and education staff, NGOs, community leaders, women's development committees, children and parents in 05 atolls; Laamu (Gan and Kunahandhoo), H.Alif (Dhihdhoo and Baarah), Ganviyani (Fuvahmulah), Kaafu (Maafushi) and G. Alif (Villinigli) and also in Male'. The objective was to obtain recommendations for action on major issues affecting children and women.
Stakeholder Consultations for the MTR of the UNICEF Maldives Country Programme Photo: UNICEF Maldives 2013
Strengthening Low-Carbon Energy Island Strategies Document validation workshop Photo: UNOPS2013
On 22nd May 2013, the Ministry of Environment and Energy jointly with United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), and with the operational support of United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), held a final document validation workshop on “Strengthening Low-Carbon Energy Island Strategies”. An initial stakeholder consultation was held in April, with participation from various entities relating to both the building and energy sectors, followed by further consultations directly with consultants. The aim of the project is to remove barriers and create an enabling environment for the adoption of energy efficient technologies in the Maldives. The project will not only target energy efficient technologies, but will also promote emerging low carbon energy technologies for the building sector. Minister of Environment and Energy, Dr. Mariyam Shakeela opened the workshop, noting the need for changes in energy
consumption practices in the Maldives. “Energy efficiency measures are the low hanging fruits for low carbon transition and it plays an important role in optimizing investment on renewable energy” stated Dr. Mariyam Shakeela. Specific objectives for the project include mainstreaming energy efficient measures into housing policies, guidelines, standards and building practices in the Maldives, which in turn would substantially reduce GHG emissions. In addition, the project aims to leverage substantial energy efficient investment activities particularly through private-public partnerships. After integrating feedback from stakeholders during the workshop, the project will be finalized and submitted to GEF in June 2013.
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Tripartite Dialogue Consultations The ILO Project on Promoting Fundamental Rights and Strengthening Labour Market Governance in the Maldives organized a tripartite meeting to discuss the issue of a Tripartite Labour Dialogue Forum, as outlined in the draft Industrial Relations Act on 9 May 2013. The main objective of the meeting is intended to bring together representatives of Government, the recently created Employers' Forum, and the Maldives Trade Union Interim Council to consider the institutional arrangements and working procedures for tripartite dialogue in the Maldives.
Minister of Human Resources, Youth and Sports, Mohamed Hussain Shareef at the opening ceremony of Tripartite Dialogue Consultations Photo: ILO 2013
The workshop was inaugurated by the Minister of Human Resources, Youth and Sports, Mohamed Hussain Shareef. In his speech he highlighted the importance of Dialogue between workers, employers and State institutions needed to resolve the various issues facing Maldivian workers. Further Shareef said discussions in the areas of safe working environments, wages and other rights of the workers were needed. Such discussions must include all stakeholders from every industry if these issues are to be resolved, he added. Maldives Employees Forum's Chairman Mohamed Ali Janah speaking during the workshop warned of the adverse effects employee grievances can have on the fragile Maldivian economy. In that regard, he stressed on the importance of ensuring that the rights of workers are protected equally in all industries.
What is NHA?
Ms. Marta Santos Pais (Special Representative of the UN Secretary General on Violence against Children) paid a visit to the Maldives on the invitation of the Government. Her advice was sought on the challenges to the child protection system in the country. The Ministry of Gender, Family and Human Rights sought assistance and guidance on the work which the Ministry is undertaking on the child and family protection system in the country. The Special Representative had meetings with His Excellency the President of the Maldives, Ministers, Civil Society, political parties, Human Rights Commission of the Maldives, Judges of the Family and Juvenile Courts, Chairperson of the Child
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Visit of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General on Violence Againt Children Protection Committee and the Attorney General. The UNICEF country office played a key role in organizing the visit. The Special Representative raised concern about the need to prevent child abuse and neglect cases. She underlined the importance of inter-departmental coordination. In raising concern about the case of flogging of a 15 year old girl child, she emphasized the need to create a system whereby such a case could be prevented from happening again. The Special Representative provided a number of recommendations to address issues and challenges faced by the country.
Peter Viner presenting at the MPS Thursday Forum Photo: UNDP 2013
Support to Police Structures and Services for Better Service Delivery and Nation Bulding The Integrated Governance Programme of UNDP was able to contribute meaningfully in the areas of strengthening the institutional capacity of the Maldives Police Service and towards enhancing police accountability and transparency. Interventions were conducted in consultation and coordination with three key 'rule of law' actors in the country; Maldives Police Service (MPS), Elections Commission of the Maldives, and Human Rights Commission of the Maldives. As a result, substantial groundwork has been laid in a short period of time with great potential for longterm sustained results. Roundtable discussions on Complaints Mechanism Under the guidance and expertise of Mr. Peter Viner, former Assistant Chief Constable of the UK, highly effective roundtable discussions were facilitated between Maldives Police Service, Police Integrity Commission and Human Rights Commission in March. The objectives of these discussions were to build consensus around establishing coordination mechanisms for complaints filed against the police. This is seen as a major step towards facilitating coordination and maximisation of resources between these three key complaints recipient organisations. Review of the Police Professional Standards Command The Professional Standards Command (PSC) within the Maldives Police Service seeks to uphold professional values in the Police Service and aims to instill integrity in all spheres of the Service. In order to support this fairly new unit to develop mechanisms, internal procedures and guidelines, IGP made available the expert services of Mr. Peter Viner earlier this year. Following the initial
roundtable discussions held in March, Mr. Viner reviewed the PSC and shared his expert views and recommendations with the Police Commissioner. Also, the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the PSC is being drafted and key senior police officers have been trained in internal investigations. Additionaly, Mr. Viner presented a paper on 'Discipline in the Maldives Police Service' at a session of the MPS 'Thursday Forum', attended by over 500 Police Officers. ToT on Human Rights and Elections Security Electoral security was an important component covered during the interventions. Under the expertise of international consultant Dr.Arie Bloed, a training programme on Human Rights and Elections was developed and a Training of Trainers (ToT) was conducted for 11 police officials. This training program will be incorporated into Standard Frontline Police Service Training. This training will enable the police officers to be better equipped in terms of elections security and in ensuring a peaceful election. ToT on Community Engagement Policing Mr. Neale Fursdon, international consultant, developed a training manual on Community Policing and subsequently, a four day training of trainers was conducted in March, targeted at 14 senior police officers. Utilizing the technical knowledge and skills gained from this ToT, the 'Master Trainers' will be facilitating a series of further trainings for their fellow officers. The training is seen as step towards building bridges between the police and the community.
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ILO Country Director pays courtesy call on President ILO Country Director for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Mr. Donglin Li, paid a courtesy call on Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Waheed on 19th May at the President's office in the capital Male. Mr. Li congratulated the President on the ratification of all 8 ILO Core Conventions. He said it is a major achievement for the Republic of Maldives since it joined the ILO in 2009, and also an important indicator of the government's commitment to labour rights and social justice. He highlighted the importance of application and implementation of the 8 ILO Core Conventions and briefed the President on the ILO's 3-year on-going project in the Maldives which promotes labour rights and strengthens the labour market governance. He mentioned that ILO is supporting the reviewing of the labour law, capacity building of the government, workers and employers organisations, drafting the first Industrial Relations Act, developing labour inspection policy and employment policy, and providing assistance with Occupational Health and Safety Law and National Census. President Waheed thanked ILO for the support and said Maldives needs more assistance related to the ratifications of the core conventions. He emphasized the need to figure out what national laws needs to be developed and pointed out that Maldives is facing problems of migrant labour and associated problems of human trafficking.
Country Director Donglin Li meets with President Mohamed Waheed Hassan Photo: PO 2013
this year which will include the provision of technical support to the Maldives on migrant workers' and human trafficking issues. He also proposed the establishing of the National Tripartite Labour Advisory Committee (NTLAC) in the Maldives, which would bring together the three parties to discuss on all labour related issues. President Waheed expressed that he is happy that ILO is supporting the Government to address some of the emerging issues and hopes to continue to obtain assistance from the ILO to address the additional problems that the country is facing. The meeting was attended by the Vice President, Minister of Gender, Family and Human Rights, His Excellency's Political Advisor, and Ambassador atlarge from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Mr. Li applauded the government of Maldives for its endeavours in promoting and protecting the labour rights and stated that ILO will start to develop the first Decent Work Country Programme for Maldives later
International Labour Standards for Judges, Lawyers and Legal Educators The ILO Project on Promoting Fundamental Rights and Strengthening Labour Market Governance in the Maldives organised training on International Labour Standards for Judges, Lawyers and Legal Educators in Maldives from 25-28 May 2013. The course was taught by experts of the International Training Centre (ITC) and ILO. The workshop was inaugurated by the President of the Employment Tribunal. Ms. Mariyam Nazima. The objective of the course was to equip participants with the knowledge that will enable them to use international labour law sources at the national level. The participants were from the High Court, Employment Tribunal, Department of Judicial Administration, Faculty of Sharia and Law, Prosecutor General's Office, Attorney General's Office, Human Rights Commission of Maldives, Labour Relations Authority and the Law Society
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Presentation at Health Promotion Workshop Photo: HPA 2013
Health Promotion Topic of Two-day Workshop in Male’ Supported by WHO A two-day national health promotion network conference, supported by WHO, brought together a wide variety of stakeholders in Maldives involved in the sector. The event was organized by the Health Protection Agency (HPA). The Minister of Health, Dr Ahmed Jamsheed Mohamed, and WHO Representative, Dr Akjemal Magtymova, opened the workshop June 26 with praise for the work of those involved in health promotion. Dr Jamsheed referred to the attendees as "the real champions of health protection and promotion." He said that health promotion related to the ill-effects of tobacco is particularly crucial as the government cannot match the amount of money spent by the industry. Dr Jamsheed also acknowledged the important role played in health promotion by NGOs, the media and other partners. Pointing out that the workshop marked the first time in two years that such a gathering has been held
in Maldives, Dr Magtymova highlighted the importance of health promotion - sharing the Ottawa Charter's definition as "the process of enabling people to increase control over their health and its determinants, and thereby improve their health." She added that health promotion should be focused on "health enhancing activities" rather than curative or acute services.
food, transport, workplace regulation, housing and education. WHO Maldives presented on both days to workshop attendees - the first day on the use of disruptive technologies in health promotion and the second day on impactful public service announcements. (The presentation was part of
Said Dr Magtymova: "Each individual can take responsibility and be in charge for their health and our role as health professionals is to generate knowledge, to collect evidence and to disseminate information to communities and individuals.� Dr Magtymova reminded those in attendance that for health promotion to be successful, health professionals need to reach out far and wide - including to those who make policies in sectors related to
WHO Maldives recentlyintroduced initiative to improve capacity in health communications, including through weekly meetings with focal points in the health sector.
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Minister of Environment, Mariyam Shakeela with senior officials of MOEE and UNEP All Photos: UNEP 2013
UNEP Roundtable Discussion on Accreditation of National Implementing Entity (NIE), Maldives A meeting was held on 14 May 2013 at Nasandhura Palace Hotel to discuss Direct Access (DA) modality, process and requirement of accreditation of a National Implementing Entity (NIE), and selection of potential NIE for Maldives. Accrediting an NIE is a pre-requisite and would allow a country to access funds directly from Adaptation Fund (AF) without the involvement of a Multilateral Implementing Entity. The meeting was held with the technical assistance from UNEP under “Build Readiness and Project Formulation for Direct Access in Asia and the Pacific Region� project supported by the Ministry of the Environment of Japan. Twenty six representatives from various concerned ministries and departments of the Government of Maldives participated in the consultative meeting including Ministry of Finance & Treasury, and Maldives Monetary Authority. The meeting was inaugurated by the Minister of Environment and Energy, Dr. Mariyam Shakeela. During her inaugural speech, the Minister highlighted the importance of accreditation of NIE for Maldives. She also mentioned the convenience of utilizing the funds received through direct access and said that this
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will enable Maldives to implement more projects in climate change vulnerable sectors. She noted that the government is already working to achieve this goal. As an example, the minister said that the establishment of Maldives Green Fund is almost complete and efforts are being made in order to make the fund operational. She further stated, the meeting would help to determine ways to carry out the procedures required to accredit a NIE in Maldives at the earliest possible time. UNEP Team, led by Mr. Mozaharul Alam, Regional Climate Change Coordinator of UNEP's Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, provided details on process and requirement highlighting fiduciary standards set up by the Adaptation Fund. UNEP also reaffirmed its commitment on continued support to the Government of Maldives throughout the NIE accreditation process as well as helping countries to develop projects to access Adaptation Fund through NIE.
in focus
Top: UN Maldives MY World team and Resident Coordinator Poses with youth volunteers. Bottom (L-R):MY World launch ceremony, Minister of Gender and Permanent Secretary of MOE launch the SOWC, Resident Coordinator Tony E. Lisle presents credentials to President Mohamed Waheed (Photos: RCO/UNICEF/President’s Office)
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