Maldives is now on a positive trajectory in terms of consolidating the rights and freedom: Shoko Noda

United Nations Resident Coordinator and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative to the Maldives Shoko Noda has said Maldives is now on a positive trajectory in terms of consolidating the rights and freedoms guaranteed in its 2008 Constitution, and that the future of the country’s democracy looks bright. She made the statement during her farewell call on President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

During the meeting held at the President’s Office, Shoko Noda said she agreed with several of the government’s priority areas, including decentralisation, women’s empowerment, economic development, and institution building and strengthening – further conveying that the UNDP team, led by her successor, would always stand ready to aid the Maldives’ government realise its development aspirations.

Shoko Noda also congratulated to the president for the successful presidential election and she congratulated the government on the outcome of the recently held parliamentary elections, noting it reflects the strong support the Maldivian people have vested in the administration’s legislative agenda, adding the composition of the next parliamentary cycle would allow the government to fully deliver on all of its pledges to the Maldivian people.

Furthermore, the representative expressed it has been her pleasure to have worked in the Maldives, which in many ways has become a second home to her that she hopes she will be able to visit frequently. The president reciprocated her sentiments and reiterated his profound appreciation for Shoko Noda’s manifold contributions to the Maldives and wished her good fortune and success in all of her future endeavours.

On conclusion, the president acknowledged and expressed his appreciation for all the important work UNDP has done over the past several decades and continues to do in the present, in terms of progressing the Maldives’ socio-economic development. He thanked Noda in particular for the initiative and passion she has brought to the UNDP’s work in Maldives during her time as the country’s resident coordinator.