UNDP reaffirms partnership as Adnan Cheema assumes role as Resident Representative in Maldives
The newly appointed Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to the Maldives, Adnan Cheema, formally presented his credentials to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, during a meeting held at the Ministry on Monday.
Adnan Cheema will lead UNDP’s initiatives in the Maldives, working closely with the government, civil society, development partners, and the broader UN system to support the country’s development agenda.
His appointment comes at a time when the Maldives is intensifying efforts to achieve developed nation status by 2040 and fulfill the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
During the meeting, Adnan Cheema conveyed his appreciation to the Maldivian government for the warm reception and reaffirmed UNDP’s enduring commitment to the country’s national priorities.
UNDP has been a trusted partner of the Maldives for over forty years, and I am honoured to take on this responsibility at such a crucial time. We will continue working with the Maldivian people to deliver tangible results, particularly as the country navigates challenges such as climate vulnerability, economic diversification, and governance reform.
Adnan Cheema stated
Adnan Cheema also emphasized UNDP’s longstanding support for the Maldives in areas such as climate resilience, inclusive governance, public sector reform, and economic transformation.
Discussions during the meeting included upcoming plans under the Country Programme Document (CPD) 2026–2030, which will guide future cooperation in alignment with the government’s strategic vision.
Foreign Minister Khaleel welcomed Adnan Cheema and acknowledged the significant contributions of UNDP in advancing the Maldives’ development goals.
We value our enduring partnership with the UNDP and its role in supporting our national initiatives. I look forward to strengthening this collaboration in the years ahead
said Minister Khaleel.
With a career spanning over three decades, Mr. Cheema brings extensive expertise in development, stabilization, and peacebuilding to his new role in the Maldives.
His leadership across complex settings from Yemen to Myanmar and Sudan positions him well to guide UNDP’s efforts in supporting the Maldives' sustainable development and resilience-building priorities.
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