Agreement signed for $53 million development project

The government and the United Nations in the Maldives have signed an agreement for a five-year $53 million development project.

The United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) will cover four strategic priority areas: Youth and Children, Gender, Governance, Environment and Climate Change.

The agreement was signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Dunya Maumoon and UN Resident Coordinator to the Maldives Shoko Noda, at a ceremony at Foreign Ministry this morning.

The project will commence in 2016.

The UN Office in Malé said that the framework was compiled based on work carried out by NGOs and UN organisations.

Efforts will be made under the project to improve human rights, and strengthen independent institutions and NGOs.

The UN Office said that $13.25 million out of the $53 million will be spent on gender equality projects.