Senior officials from the Maldives and Pakistan recently convened in a diplomatic meeting aimed at addressing waste management challenges through collaborative efforts.
The discussions brought together Ahmed Nizam, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Environment for the Maldives, and Dr Shezra Mansab Ali Khan Kharal, Pakistan's State Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination. The Maldivian environment ministry described the talks as a concerted effort to strengthen cooperation in bolstering waste management infrastructure and capabilities.
Highlighting the complexities of waste management across the Maldives' scattered islands, Deputy Minister Nizam detailed the logistical challenges in ensuring safe transport and proper disposal, the ministry said. These obstacles, he said, remain a critical concern for the nation as it seeks sustainable and effective solutions.
The two officials, according to the ministry, also explored avenues for technical collaboration and the exchange of expertise. Both delegations expressed a shared commitment to addressing environmental issues through unified efforts, highlighting the potential impact of joint initiatives on waste management practices, it said.
Attention also turned to the role of the South Asia Cooperative Environment Programme (SACEP), which both nations regard as a cornerstone of regional environmental collaboration. Officials reaffirmed their support for the organisation's initiatives, which are viewed as essential to advancing sustainability across South Asia.
The environment ministry also expressed optimism about the outcomes of the talks, suggesting the dialogue could serve as a springboard for deeper bilateral engagement on waste management and broader environmental issues. Officials also noted that the discussions reinforced the growing partnership between the Maldives and Pakistan, it added.
At home, the Maldivian government continues to advance its national waste management agenda. A major initiative currently underway seeks to establish waste management centres on 109 islands, a project led by three state-owned enterprises: the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), Fenaka Corporation Limited, and the Road Development Corporation (RDC).
Adding momentum to these efforts, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced plans to equip every island with waste management facilities tailored to local requirements by the end of the year. The initiative reflects the administration's resolve to deliver sustainable solutions to the nation's pressing waste management challenges.