Maldives, Pakistan explore joint action on waste management

Maldivian, Pakistani officials explore technical cooperation to address pressing environmental challenges across the island nation

MALE, Maldives (MNTV)  — Senior officials from the Maldives and Pakistan have discussed ways to strengthen collaboration on waste management, focusing on logistical hurdles and opportunities for technical exchange.

The meeting brought together Ahmed Nizam, Maldives’ Deputy Minister of Tourism and Environment, and Dr Shezra Mansab Ali Khan Kharal, Pakistan’s State Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination.

Nizam outlined the Maldives’ core challenge: transporting and disposing of waste across dozens of remote islands. He said the government is seeking sustainable solutions that are both locally adaptable and scalable across the archipelago.

The two sides also discussed the exchange of expertise and the potential for technical assistance. Both officials voiced support for expanding regional environmental partnerships and reaffirmed their commitment to the South Asia Cooperative Environment Programme (SACEP), which they view as central to promoting sustainable practices across the region.

The Maldives is currently pushing forward with a national waste infrastructure plan. The government aims to establish waste management centres on 109 inhabited islands. Three state-owned enterprises — the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company, Fenaka Corporation, and Road Development Corporation — are leading the initiative.

President Mohamed Muizzu has pledged to equip every island with dedicated waste facilities by the end of 2025. The project is part of a broader government agenda to address long-standing environmental vulnerabilities in the country, including pollution and waste accumulation in coastal zones.

Officials said the bilateral talks could lead to deeper cooperation on environmental issues and potentially expand joint efforts under multilateral frameworks.