Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef, on Tuesday, delivered his plenary statement at the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2), reaffirming the Maldives’ commitment to advancing global social progress through inclusivity, equity, and resilience.
In his statement, the Vice President reflected on the global journey since the first World Summit for Social Development in 1995, noting that while the vision to place social development at the heart of peace, prosperity, and dignity for all was clear, progress remains uneven. He highlighted that women’s rights have stalled, inequalities continue to widen, and the climate crisis has worsened existing vulnerabilities.
The Vice President underscored that in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) such as the Maldives, people are the nation’s greatest asset, and investing in human development is key to national progress. He stated that the Government continues to prioritise investments in healthcare, education, digital transformation, and climate resilience, guided by national priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Highlighting the need for greater fiscal space to support social progress, the Vice President outlined the Maldives’ proposal to convert debt into instruments for building resilience. He noted that such initiatives would help strengthen social protection systems, build climate-resilient infrastructure, and expand digital inclusion for inclusive and sustainable growth.
The Vice President also highlighted the Maldives’ achievements in establishing universal old-age pensions and universal health coverage, ensuring that every Maldivian can access essential services regardless of income or location. He further noted the Maldives Creative Economic Strategic Action Plan, which aims to contribute 15 per cent to GDP by 2030, creating opportunities for youth and diversifying the economy.
Concluding his statement, the Vice President called for strengthened global solidarity and reform of the international financial system to create space for investment in people. He reaffirmed the Maldives’ dedication to global partnership, social inclusion, and sustainable development.
The Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2), held in Doha, Qatar, brings together heads of state and government, international organisations, civil society, and the private sector to renew global commitments to social progress, equity, and sustainability for all.
The first World Summit for Social Development was held 30 years ago, in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1995.