Her Excellency Ms Fathimath Niuma,
Deputy Minister,
Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure,
Maldives

By Her Excellency Ms Fathimath Niuma

Deputy Minister,
Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure,
Maldives

WGF: South Asia Forum had endorsed an integrated approach to accelerate COVID-19 recovery. What were the measures taken during COVID-19 in Maldives?

H.E. Niuma: I will not be able to fully elaborate on all the measures that were taken to combat COVID-19, nor do I feel that I am the right person. It was a crosssector, and a whole of government effort, but let me just try to highlight a few points.

Maldives enacted COVID-19 precautionary measures very early on. In early 2020, lock-downs were put into effect with public offices and schools were temporarily closed. In-country travel was restricted and international boarders were closed. This mostly addressed the spread of the virus. Emergency centres were set up, with round-the-clock monitoring. Recovery efforts and rolling out the first round of approved vaccines were prioritised. Today, more than 70% of the population is fully vaccinated.

Maldives did not discriminate based on nationality in its provision of COVID-related services. Regardless, of where you were from, all services were free. With cases decreasing as a result of steps taken, several measures were initiated to kick start the economy. This involved gradually opening our international borders, and offering financial relief packages to revive SMEs and much more. Rudimentary digital platforms had emerged overnight, to provide the public with essential daily services, and these platforms have since then been upgraded. We learned that for a country like ours, digital solutions are a long-term and sustainable solution. Efforts are now underway to strengthen and enhance these systems. Maldives’ recovery is exemplary, and it can be attributed to the pragmatic and forward-thinking policies of the current administration.

WGF: Earlier, you had attended and given a robust statement at the 52nd Commission on Population and Development held at United Nations Headquarters, New York, focusing on progress achieved, and where acceleration of action is necessary to achieve the SDGs by 2030. Please share what important steps must be taken to achieve the SDGs by 2030 generally in the world, and particularly in Maldives.

H.E. Niuma: At its core, the SDGs are a universal ideal to eliminate poverty, protect our planet and ensure that all people, regardless of ethnicity, race, gender or age, enjoy peace and prosperity. Like many countries, Maldives also took a step back on our road to achieving SDGs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Given that we are now left with under a decade to achieve these targets, this is the opportune time to rethink and re-align our policies and strategies.

Almost all countries have socio-economic recovery plans in place coming out of COVID-19. With fewer active cases and increasing vaccination rates in most countries, we have found a little breathing space, so now is the time to dissect and assess how apt current plans are in terms of reaching our specific SDG targets. Is the current intended result enough? What can be tweaked to better these results? All nations must once again bring the focus back to the SDGs and re-align their policies and actions towards it. We must ensure that enough resources are allocated to achieving these targets.

Most countries and multilateral agencies have conducted impact assessments, and these highlight and call for action in critical areas. As governments, we must re-check our action plans, and see how well these gaps are being addressed. In the Maldives, the annual budgeting exercises are starting, so we are in a good position to address this. However, we are also moving into the final year of the current presidential cycle, so it is understandable that campaign actions may reverberate louder, but we must not lose focus of the SDGs’ action agenda.

WGF: You are an alumna of Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore. How was your experience in Singapore and the National University of Singapore during your higher studies?

H.E. Niuma: Simply put, the two years I lived and studied in Singapore are among the best. Our class at LKYSPP had over 60 students with diverse nationalities and disciplines. The standards and values truly attested to the fact that NUS was ranked the No. 1 University in the region. Named after the First Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, it was a privilege to have been able to study there.

The campus created a perfect environment to share not only intellectual ideas, but also to learn new cultural practices and customs. I formed real connections and friendships that last to this day. The curriculum was very thorough and demanding. LKYSPP ensured that relevant and current themes were covered, and provided us with a remarkable faculty throughout our studies. The intensity of it actually prepared me for the demanding work environment that I have today.

Having come from a small city myself, acclimating to life in Singapore was easy. The best thing about Singapore is the accessibility: systems and services were reliable and efficient. Diverse array of food was always at our fingertips. Living alone was not daunting at all in a city that provided a great sense of security. And there is much to do outside of the University. Singapore was one of the few places, where work–life or rather study–life balance was easily achieved.

WGF: You must have faced numerous challenges to be successful. Different women have different challenges, professions and goals. What is your message to them?

H.E. Niuma: True, and I am still facing them. I still feel that gender and privilege are ‘required’ to be included rather than being practically considered; and, that you might have to work thrice as hard to prove yourself, because of who you are. It is often depressing when these feelings surge, but, having spent so many years and sleepless nights, driving myself to be where I am, I take comfort and pride in what I have achieved. Being a woman is not obstacle to pursuing your goals and dreams. True, there are always obstacles whether you are a man, or if societal preconceptions exist. Women are just as smart, capable and hardworking as any man. I want to tell all aspiring young women that you have your whole future ahead of you. So, set your goals, and never despair at small obstacles and failures. It might be hard, and it may sometimes feel impossible or hopeless, but keep at it. Be persistent, and you will get there. Find small miracles and inspirations in your daily life. Often, these are what will get you through the day, week and help you get your dream realized.

WGF: Who all are in your family? How do you balance work and family?

H.E. Niuma: I come from a family of 5. Two older halfbrothers and one younger brother and sister. My sister and I live separately from the rest. With the difference in our age, nearly 19 years, I was more of a parent to her and I would like to think that I had a positive impact on her development. I am very proud of her achievements so far, and she, like me, is working and putting herself through college.

I am married, but haven’t had the fortune of children in our lives yet. So far, all the time and energy has been spent on building my professional life. Now, I often feel a twinge of regret that time is running out to start my own family. But I’ll never feel true regret, because, all the work, sweat and tears have been to find that sense of security in life. Now, I make it a habit to take better care of myself, take time every day to spend with my family, no matter how little. And, for me these moments are precious. Each one of us has very busy schedules, but, once the habit of allocating that specific time of each day becomes the norm, the act of balancing life and work is almost effortless.

WGF: What are your future plans? What are you passionate about? What is that one thing which you feel you must do in your personal or professional life?

H.E. Niuma: If I do get the opportunity, I would like to study further and complete my PhD. So far, time and the demands of life haven’t granted me that window. For now, my priority is starting my family. When one thinks about starting their own family, they always worry about the right time. What I know today is there is never a right time; you are always mid-career, or your schedule is just too busy to allow for that kind of commitment. Now I say that once you are at a certain age and point in life, it is always the right time. True, certain sacrifices may be needed, but having your own family is also a great gift, and we should not waste it.

WGF: Please share your message for the people in general, who look up to you as their role model.

H.E. Niuma: Life is a gift, so accept it with all its ups and downs. In your moments of height and glory, share a bit of wisdom and impart some knowledge to let your legacy continue. In your time of need, remember you are never alone, find the courage to reach out and ask for help. We are a people, a community, and we are here to help each other. Life may be challenging, but take that in good nature and don’t let those around you diminish you in anyway. In both personal and professional lives, keep your honesty and integrity, and make that your shield. Be dedicated to what you commit, and give it all you have. Remember, what you do or say may affect many.

Always look for opportunities to better yourself intellectually, professionally and personally. Never stop learning. Let little joys into your daily life, and take some time for yourself. A healthy balanced mind makes for a healthy balanced life.