A Ceremony was held to mark the new strategic partnership between Ooredoo and UNDP in the Maldives to strengthen the application of technology in the development field, and to promote social innovations.
The ceremony, held atthe Housing Development Corporation (HDC), markedthe establishment of a working relationship and basis of collaboration between Ooredoo and UNDP, and the official commencement of the Hulhumale’ ‘Smart Cities’ Project, to be conducted in close collaboration with HDC.
The ‘Smart Cities’ Project aims to offer innovative, smart solutions for urban challenges. This will be done through ensuring that the technological solutions introduced in Hulhumale’ - the future smart city, remains inclusive and accessible to all of its population. Some of the activities planned for the coming year include a campaign to develop a sense of ownership and belonging within communities, and the usage of open data to enhance inclusive and data driven planning.
Presiding at the ceremony were Najib Khan – CEO of Ooredoo Maldives and Shoko Noda - UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in the Maldives, as well as representatives from the Housing Development Corporation (HDC).
Najib Khan noted: “Across the world, the potential of smart technologies as an enabler for social and economic progress is being felt. And we know that it can make a direct impact on the issues being addressed by the Sustainable Development Goals. As such, we’re pleased to partner with UNDP to tap into the transformative power of smart solutions in bringing new opportunities and growth to the people of Hulhumale’, and making a real difference in their lives”
An MOU was signed to formalize this partnership on 27th April 2017. In addition to smart cities initiatives, the MOU also looked into strengthening the cooperation between Ooredoo and UNDP in the Maldives, to work towards gender equality and women’s empowerment, as well as using mobile technology to collectively achieve progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The significance of cities in the future, is marked by the fact that Sustainable Cities and communities have even been recognized as one of the 17 global goals each country should aspire to achieve by 2030. This goal includes targets such as creating safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, as well as improving road safety, air quality and waste management, and creating even more inclusive systems of governance. , said Shoko Noda, speaking at the ceremony.
Ooredoo is part of GSMA, a global network of mobile operators who had recently pledged to work together to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals. Locally Ooredoo has pledged to work towards Sustainable Development Goal 3 (good health and well-being), Goal 5 (gender equality), and Goal 9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure).
This MoU marks a continuation of the recent meaningful collaborations between Ooredoo and UNDP in the Maldives, to use our collective areas of expertise for broader human, and sustainabledevelopment. In 2016, Ooredoo partnered with UNDP to conduct ‘Miyaheli’ - the first social innovation camp in the country. Three ideas were selected for development from hundreds submitted by youth across the country, to address and find solutions to developmental issues ranging from women and youth empowerment, to sustainable development solutions.
Formalisation of new strategic partnership between Ooredoo and UNDP in the Maldives
