AGP Executive Report

Finance & Appointments: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has appointed Hassan Zareer as the new Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises after Moosa Zameer’s resignation for health reasons, with Zareer taking the oath and bringing long experience in taxation, auditing and compliance. Ocean Economy: Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam says ocean research and marine resource identification are central to diversifying the economy and protecting livelihoods, pointing to climate impacts on fish stocks and moves to boost value addition and aquaculture. Banking Stability: Fitch assigned Bank of Maldives ratings of ‘CCC-’ (stable outlook) and ‘CCC+’ locally, citing the bank’s resilience and strong market position while noting the sovereign rating ceiling. Environment Funding: The President allocated MVR 7 million annually for environmental protection, as Maldives continues to push sustainability priorities. Tourism Outreach: Maldives promoted its tourism resources and luxury resorts to Chinese travellers in Beijing, aiming to deepen travel ties and capture more outbound demand. Sports (Regional): Pakistan beat Afghanistan 2-0 in the Maldives-hosted Diamond Jubilee tournament, booking the final—while the Maldives’ own campaign continues to draw attention. Aviation/Connectivity: Maldivian Air launched its inaugural Melbourne–Malé flight, highlighting growing international links.

Finance Shake-up: President Muizzu appoints Hassan Zareer as Finance Minister and Public Enterprises Minister after Moosa Zameer’s resignation, with Zareer taking the oath and stepping in with long experience in taxation and finance. Ocean-Led Diversification: Fisheries and Ocean Resources Minister Ahmed Shiyam says ocean research and marine resource mapping are central to diversifying the economy and protecting livelihoods as climate pressures hit fish stocks. IMF Cooperation: Maldives Finance Minister meets IMF Executive Director Dr Mohammed bin Ahmed Maait in Muscat to discuss stronger technical assistance, capacity building, and financial cooperation. Banking Watch: Fitch assigns Bank of Maldives ratings (CCC-/CCC+) citing resilience and market strength, while noting the sovereign rating ceiling. Food Safety Push: President Muizzu calls for stronger food safety systems, pointing to new regulations under the Food Safety Act and tighter border controls. Environment Funding: Muizzu announces an extra $454,000 annually from the Maldives Green Fund for environmental protection and conservation. Sports Spotlight (Maldives-hosted): Pakistan beat Afghanistan 2-0 to reach the Diamond Jubilee final, after earlier success against hosts Maldives. Tourism & Skills: Marriott Maldives graduates 40 apprentices from its apprenticeship programme, while multiple resort stories highlight wellness-led luxury positioning.

UN Food Shock: UN agencies warn the Strait of Hormuz disruption is turning a Middle East geopolitical crisis into a wider food security emergency, with hunger rising in Somalia and Afghanistan as energy costs strain aid and clinics. Maldives Food Safety Push: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu marks World Food Safety Day calling for stronger, data-driven food safety systems and faster action under the Food Safety Act, including border controls and tougher hygiene standards. Green Fund Funding: Muizzu announces extra annual allocations from the Maldives Green Fund—MVR 7 million and an additional $454,000—earmarked for protected areas, wildlife, research, awareness, and capacity building. Diplomatic Win: The Maldives secures its first-ever seat on the UN ECOSOC for 2027–2029, with officials framing it as leverage for climate and development priorities. Hospitality & Tourism Sector: STORY Hospitality joins GHA Discovery, while Marriott Maldives graduates 40 apprentices from its apprenticeship programme; separate updates also highlight new leadership and marketing roles in Maldivian resorts. Sports (Maldives-linked): Pakistan books the Diamond Jubilee tournament final in the Maldives after beating Afghanistan 2-0, while Maldives tournament fixtures continue. Youth & Education: Maldivian students sweep top prizes in an international mathematics storytelling competition, winning across all age categories. Social Media Controls: The President announces plans to restrict social media access for children under 16 within the next year.

UN Diplomacy: The Maldives won its first-ever seat on the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for 2027–2029, securing 183 votes and positioning the country to push climate and development priorities. Environment Funding: President Muizzu announced an additional US$454,000 annually from the Maldives Green Fund (and separately MVR 7 million) for protected areas, wildlife, research, public awareness, and capacity-building. Food Safety: The President marked World Food Safety Day by calling for stronger, data-driven food safety systems and new regulations under the Food Safety Act. Sports—Football: Pakistan beat Afghanistan 2–0 in the Maldives International Tournament, while Pakistan also routed Maldives 3–0, ending a long wait for international wins; Pakistan then booked the final berth. Sports—Cricket: The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 kicks off June 12 in England and Wales with a record 12 teams. Education: Maldivian students swept first place across all age categories in an international math storytelling competition. Tourism & Training: Marriott Maldives graduated 40 apprentices from its 2026 cohort, expanding local hospitality skills.

Environment Funding: President Muizzu announced an additional USD 454,000 annually from the Maldives Green Fund for environmental protection, conservation, protected areas, wildlife, research, public awareness, and school/civil society projects. UN Diplomacy: The Maldives won its first-ever seat on the UN ECOSOC for 2027–2029, securing 183 votes and positioning the country to push climate and development priorities for small island states. Sports—Football: Afghanistan face Pakistan today in the Maldives International Four-Nation Tournament, with the Maldives having already been beaten by Afghanistan in the opener. Finance—Ratings Debate: Government spokesperson Mundhu said Fitch’s upgrade from CC to CCC- reflects fiscal reforms, but warned international lenders remain focused on past money printing and debt concerns. Health Diplomacy: Health Minister Geela met India’s High Commissioner to discuss deeper Maldives–India cooperation in healthcare, training, and social development. Education Win: Maldivian students swept top prizes in an international mathematics storytelling competition, taking first place across all age categories. Sports—Cricket Development: BCCI agreed to support cricket development in Fiji and the Maldives with coaching and other help.

UN Diplomacy: The Maldives won its first-ever seat on the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for 2027–2029, securing 183 votes and a platform to push climate and development priorities for small island states. World Environment Day: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced MVR 7 million annually from the Maldives Green Fund for environmental protection, including protected areas, wildlife conservation, research, awareness, and school/civil society projects. Health & Cooperation: Health Minister Geela Ali met India’s High Commissioner G. Balasubramanian to deepen Maldives–India ties in healthcare, family welfare, capacity building, and social development. Education Spotlight: Maldivian students swept top prizes in all age categories at the 2026 Young Mathematical Story Authors competition, winning first place across 34 countries. Sports (Regional): Pakistan beat Maldives 3-0 in the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament, ending a 961-day wait for an international win. Regional Sports (Cricket): The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 kicks off June 12 in England and Wales with a record 12-team field.

UN Diplomacy: South Korea was elected to the UN ECOSOC for 2027–2029, with the Maldives also winning a seat in the Asia-Pacific group—another signal of the Maldives’ growing role in global development talks. Regional Sports: Pakistan beat the Maldives 3-0 in the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament, ending a 961-day winless run and handing the Shaheens a confidence boost. Youth Policy: The Maldives is moving toward restrictions on social media access for children under 16, with President Dr. Muizzu announcing the plan. Marine Safety & Accountability: Maldives authorities are investigating possible causes behind the deaths of five Italian divers in a deepwater cave dive, including whether the group descended deeper than expected. Finance & Consumer Outreach: The Maldives Monetary Authority extended the Maldives Financial Expo registration deadline to 6 June (2–4 July at Hulhumalé), alongside new Financial Sector Awards applications open until 28 June. Tourism Pulse: UK visitor numbers reached 80,580 so far in 2026, keeping the Maldives’ recovery on track despite earlier Middle East travel disruptions.

UN Diplomacy: South Korea was elected to the UN ECOSOC for 2027–2029, with the Maldives also securing a seat in the Asia-Pacific group—another signal of the Maldives’ growing role in global development talks. Regional Standards & Trade: The 11th SARSO Governing Board meeting in Dhaka agreed a 2026 action plan, pushing for fewer technical barriers and harmonised quality standards across South Asia, with Maldives among participating members. Maldives Economy & Finance: The Maldives Monetary Authority extended the Maldives Financial Expo registration deadline to 6 June (2–4 July at Hulhumalé Central Park) and launched Financial Sector Awards with applications open until 28 June. Tourism & International Links: UK arrivals reached 80,580 as of 2 June, while the Maldives also reaffirmed law-enforcement cooperation with the UK through police capacity-building talks. Foreign Policy: Maldives joined condemnation of drone and missile attacks on civilian infrastructure in Bahrain and Kuwait, urging restraint and diplomacy. Sports (Regional): Pakistan beat Maldives 3-0 in the Diamond Jubilee tournament, ending a long winless run—while Maldives’ football presence continues to draw regional attention.

UN Diplomacy: Maldives is among the Asia-Pacific states elected to the UN Economic and Social Council for 2027–2029, as 17 countries won seats for the three-year term. Sports & National Mood: Pakistan thrashed Maldives 3-0 in the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament, ending a 961-day wait for an international win and handing coach Nolberto Solano his first victory. Regional Cooperation: The Maldives participated in SARSO’s 11th Governing Board meeting in Dhaka, where members agreed a 2026 action plan aimed at removing technical barriers and harmonising trade standards across South Asia. Tourism Signals: UK arrivals to the Maldives topped 80,000 so far this year, with tourism showing signs of recovery after Middle East-linked travel disruptions. Public Policy: Maldives is moving ahead with plans to restrict social media access for children under 16, with the government framing it as a youth protection measure. Foreign Affairs: Maldives joined international condemnation of drone and missile attacks on civilian infrastructure in Bahrain and Kuwait, urging de-escalation and diplomatic engagement.

UN Diplomacy: Maldives was elected unanimously Vice-Chair of the UN General Assembly’s Economic and Financial Committee, with Hussain Azhaan Mohamed Hussain set to represent the country at the 81st session. Regional Security: Malé joined international condemnation of drone and missile attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait, calling them a breach of sovereignty and urging de-escalation. Israel-Palestine: Maldives also condemned Israeli settlers’ storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque, warning it violates international law and backing stronger protection for holy sites. Tourism & Economy: UK arrivals climbed to 80,580 so far in 2026, and Maldives tourism is showing signs of recovery after Middle East-linked disruptions. Finance & Regulation: Maldives Monetary Authority extended Maldives Financial Expo registration to 6 June and launched sector awards, with applications open until 28 June. Public Policy: President Muizzu’s push for social media limits for children under 16 continues to draw attention. Sports: Pakistan beat Maldives 3-0 in the Diamond Jubilee football tournament, ending a long winless run. Safety Probe: Authorities are investigating possible causes behind the fatal deepwater cave dive deaths of five Italian divers, including whether they went deeper than expected.

UN Diplomacy: Maldives was elected unanimously Vice-Chair of the UN General Assembly’s Economic and Financial Committee for the 81st session, with Hussain Azhaan Mohamed representing the Maldives in New York. Regional Security & Law: Sri Lanka and the Maldives approved a Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) framework in criminal matters, covering areas like terrorism offences, terrorist financing, and proceeds of crime—aimed at tightening cross-border enforcement. Digital Rights & Child Protection: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced plans to ban children under 16 from accessing certain social media platforms, with consultations and a regulatory framework to be finalized within a year. Local Governance: Malé Mayor Adam Azim defended the use of expatriate workers in city markets, saying staffing shortages leave businesses reliant on foreign labour under existing quota systems. Culture & Recognition: Maldivian artist Raya Mansoor was named to Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2026 in the arts category, highlighting growing cultural exports.

UNGA Diplomacy: Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu congratulated Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on his election as President of the 81st UN General Assembly, calling it a proud moment for Bangladesh and the region, as global leaders and organisations also sent congratulations after Rahman defeated Cyprus in a close vote. Digital Rights for Minors: Muizzu announced plans to ban children under 16 from accessing certain social media platforms within a year, citing cyberbullying, grooming and other online risks, with regulations to be developed after consultations. Regional Sports: In the SAFF Women’s Championship in India, Bangladesh face Nepal in the first semifinal today, while Nepal’s run continues despite missing key players; the Maldives is also mentioned in Bangladesh’s group opener. Culture & Media: Oscar-nominated Gaza film “The Voice of Hind Rajab” has received an “A” censor certificate in India and is set for release on June 19, with distribution planned across South Asia including the Maldives. Maldives Spotlight: Maldivian artist Raya Mansoor was named to Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2026 in the arts category, highlighting her international brand expansion.

Child Protection Policy: Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu announced a plan to ban children under 16 from accessing certain social media platforms, citing cyberbullying, online grooming and other digital threats; the government will study models like Australia and consult tech firms and platform owners, with a regulatory framework to be finalized and the restrictions introduced within a year after public consultations. Diplomatic Spotlight: Muizzu also congratulated Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on his election as President of the 81st UN General Assembly session, after Rahman defeated Cyprus in the UN vote. Business & Risk: Brokerslink expanded its international insurance broking network by adding three affiliates, including Trust Edge Risk Solutions in the Maldives, strengthening local expertise in hospitality, marine and construction risks. Culture & Media: Oscar-nominated film The Voice of Hind Rajab has received an “A” certificate from India’s CBFC and is set for theatrical release on June 19, with Maldives included in its distribution plans. Tourism & Events: Raaraa Pro 2026, the Maldives’ kiteboarding competition, kicked off on June 1 in Dhiffushi, running until June 6 and positioning the island for adventure tourism.

Youth Digital Safety: President Mohamed Muizzu says the Maldives will restrict children under 16 from accessing certain social media platforms, citing cyberbullying, online grooming and harmful content; the government will study models like Australia’s, consult tech firms and platform owners, amend cyber safety laws if needed, and aim to roll out the framework within a year. Banking & Foreign Exchange: Bank of Maldives (BML) is expected to ease foreign transaction limits by the end of this month after operational and dollar-availability pressures; the curbs have affected some MVR card e-commerce and online retail purchases, while dollar-account-linked cards continue to work and students abroad are said to be protected with a grace period. Business Expansion: Brokerslink expands its international insurance broking network with three new affiliates, including Trust Edge Risk Solutions in the Maldives, adding hospitality, marine and construction risk expertise. Regional Sports: The Maldives’ football teams are in the spotlight regionally as Pakistan opened the Diamond Jubilee International Tournament with a 0-0 draw against Bangladesh, while SAFF Women’s Championship semifinals set up Bangladesh vs Nepal and India vs Bhutan.

Youth Online Safety: President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced a plan to restrict children under 16 from accessing certain social media platforms, citing grooming, cyberbullying and harmful content; the framework is to be finalised after consultations and rolled out within a year. Foreign Exchange Pressure: Bank of Maldives (BML) is expected to ease foreign transaction limits by the end of this month after operational and dollar-availability constraints; students abroad are said to be unaffected, with a grace period for students using parents’ cards. Public Health Push: Marking World No Tobacco Day, Muizzu urged stronger action against nicotine addiction, pointing to the Maldives’ tobacco-free generation law and vaping/e-cigarette ban, while warning about flavoured nicotine pouches and AI-driven marketing. Regional Sports Diplomacy: Maldives hosts the Diamond Jubilee Four-Nation tournament opener, with Afghanistan set to play Maldives in the first match in Malé. Defence Cooperation: The multinational PRAGATI 2026 exercise concluded in Meghalaya with 13 nations and a focus on counter-terrorism and interoperability, including Maldivian participation.

Youth Digital Safety: President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced a plan to restrict access to selected social media platforms for children under 16, with full rollout within a year, citing risks like grooming, cyberbullying, and content contrary to Islamic values while stressing it won’t derail digital transformation under “Maldives 2.0.” Foreign Currency Pressure: Dr. Muizzu also said Bank of Maldives (BML) is expected to ease foreign transaction limits by the end of this month, after earlier restrictions tied to reduced dollar availability and liquidity pressures—while noting dollar-account cards and students abroad would be protected via grace arrangements. Tobacco-Free Push: Marking World No Tobacco Day, the President urged collective action against nicotine addiction, highlighting the Maldives’ tobacco-free generation law and e-cigarette ban, as the government unveiled a five-year national campaign to cut tobacco use through awareness, enforcement, and support programs. Public Order Probe: Maldives Police launched an investigation into a violent altercation involving expatriates at Artificial Beach in Malé after a video circulated online, with authorities saying suspected criminal conduct is under review. Tourism & Economy: Government SOE dividend income fell sharply, with 2026 collections down 36% year-on-year, while tourism arrivals reportedly regained momentum after a Middle East-linked dip.