Organisations help shape national priorities
UNDP said a technical group of disability organisations, civil-society groups and advocates led the plan’s development. Validation in April 2025 involved 139 participants from 41 institutions and organisations. The five-year framework covered health, education, justice, employment, disaster management and climate resilience, combining targeted measures with wider public-policy changes. [2]
Local groups contribute evidence
The preceding country assessment involved the Maldives Deaf Association, the Blind and Visually Impaired Society of Maldives, the Maldives Association of Persons with Disabilities and other groups. A six-day training programme in 2024 brought service providers, officials and advocates together to prepare the assessment and discuss implementation of disability rights. [3]
Participation continues into implementation
UNDP representative Adnan Cheema called for disability organisations to participate in planning, implementation and monitoring. The agency identified coordination, consistent data and stronger referral pathways as priorities. Its implementation agenda also called for inclusive budgeting and participation across islands, making local access to services a central part of the plan. [2]