Vice President Concludes Doha Visit, Urges Social Development, Equality, Climate Resilience and Financial Reform

Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef concluded his official visit to Doha, Qatar, after attending the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2), held from 4 to 6 November. In his address, he reaffirmed the Maldives’ commitment to advancing international social development goals through a framework grounded in inclusivity, equality, and resilience.

The summit convened heads of state, representatives of international organisations, civil society groups, and private sector leaders. Delegates renewed their dedication to the 2030 Agenda for Social Development, with particular emphasis on eradicating poverty and building inclusive societies.

In presenting the Maldives’ national strategy, Vice President Latheef stressed the government’s immediate priorities: strengthening the health and education sectors, digitising public services to ensure efficiency and equitable access, and enhancing climate resilience in recognition of the country’s acute vulnerability as a small island nation. These measures, he said, form the foundation of the Maldives’ broader vision of resilience and inclusivity.

He also outlined a policy agenda directed at citizens’ welfare and equity. Efforts to expand access to affordable housing, programmes designed to empower youth and guarantee the full participation of women in national life, and measures to ensure the inclusion of persons with disabilities were all cited as central to this vision. The vice president added that universal pensions and health care coverage remain key commitments of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's government.

Debt management emerged as a central theme of his remarks. Vice President Latheef noted that the Maldives is working to reframe its national debt, seeking to transform it from a liability into an instrument for resilience. He extended this appeal to the international community, stressing that reform of the global financial system is indispensable to creating opportunities for substantial investment in human development worldwide.