In a bid to enhance waste management efforts and environmental cooperation, the Maldives and Pakistan have initiated discussions aimed at building joint capabilities in waste handling and disposal. 

Deputy Minister of Tourism and Environment Ahmed Nizam met with Pakistan’s Minister of State, Shezra Mansab, to discuss technical collaboration, capacity building, and the challenges facing waste transportation and disposal in the Maldives. The meeting focused on identifying practical solutions to longstanding logistical constraints in the island nation, where safe and efficient waste transfer remains a major concern.

Both sides underscored the importance of regional collaboration and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP). The two countries expressed confidence in SACEP’s role in driving policy reform and environmental action across the region.

According to the Ministry, the meeting sets the groundwork for future collaboration, particularly in technical assistance and training to strengthen institutional capabilities as such partnerships are key to building resilience in the face of growing environmental pressures.

At the national level, the Maldives Government has committed to expanding waste management infrastructure. As part of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s policy agenda, state-owned companies—Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), Fenaka Corporation, and Road Development Corporation (RDC) are developing waste management centres in 109 inhabited islands.