Statement by Andrew Cox, at the ceremony to announce the projects selected for the 1st round of the “Support to Civil Society Development” project

It is a pleasure to address today, this assembly of active members of the Maldivian community. I congratulate the nine grant winners under the ‘Support to Civil Society Development’ project which is a collaboration between Australia’s Aid Programme - AusAID and UNDP Maldives. I am pleased that we can support, in some small measure, emerging non-governmental and community-based organizations in promoting rights-based development at the local and national level.

This is a direct result of a new, stronger focus on civil society development.

You are here today because your organizations are active agencies in giving voice and finding solutions to the concerns and interests of the people, particularly the disadvantaged and marginalized. We share the same views on the importance of civil society for a modern, democratic Maldives.

There is no doubt, civil society has played a major role in bringing in democracy to the country. Now we see more NGOs mobilised at the policy and grassroots levels to engage with stakeholders on issues related to human rights, democracy and development. Things are very new however. It is therefore, necessary to nurture the nascent civil society in the country which shows much scope for growth and maturity.

We must also point to the Government’s role and responsibility in enabling the growth of civil society. It is notable that the government has been instrumental in providing the space for freedom of expression and assembly on which civil society can be built. The Government’s Strategic Action Plan guarantees that space will be allowed for the civil society to thrive. This is an important mutual accountability.

The awards granted today will facilitate the provision of services and promotion of good governance. They will empower civil society to effectively lobby for issues, particularly in the areas of human rights, gender equality and youth development.

The projects awarded under this grant scheme are intended to promote public consensus and local ownership, strengthen and leverage impact of development programs, bring innovative ideas and solutions to development challenges and improve public transparency and accountability.

It is also our hope that through the process, your overall organizational capacity and the prospects for continued, sustainable operations will be made stronger.

We need to expand on the successes and understand that significant development challenges still remain. Continued partnership between civil society, the government and the international community is required to ensure Maldives succeeds on its path to sustainable development.

We believe that the realization of the country’s greatest hopes depend on the consolidation of democracy. The UN is supporting civil society development and over the past years, UN agencies have carried out numerous activities with the civil society both directly as well as through existing projects in various thematic areas. We are engaged in collaborative partnerships and community-based programs around these issues through many of our projects. I know that our Australian partners see things in the same way, and their support is hugely appreciated.

We stand with the Maldivian people as you forge the culture that defines and sustains strong democracies. In conclusion, let me then, once again, congratulate you on progress made so far and wish you well for your future endeavors in this democratic undertaking.