FRONTIER DIALOGUES from UNDP Maldives is a podcast series hosted by UNDP Maldives to give voice to people who are working on the frontlines, and in providing solutions to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic in the Maldives.

Frontier Dialogues aims to spread solutions, lessons learned, and stories inside and outside UNDP in the context of COVID-19. It brings voices from inspirational figures and changemakers, including individuals, members from the government, public sector,  civil society and the private sector who are committed to responding effectively to the current health and development challenges.

FRONTIER DIALOGUES EPISODE 35: WITH KAMANA A.I 

This week on Frontier Dialogues we talk to with  Mahfoox and Sobha from Kamana A.I. Kamana is a solution that encourages the use of the Dhivehi language through an easy online translator of English to Divehi (and vice-versa) - Speech to text and text to speech. It is also a solution to make information accessible for people with disabilities using software that translate in real-time (like Google translator).

Listen to episode 35: https://anchor.fm/undp-maldives

This week on Frontier Dialogues we talk to Mohamed Jailam - Creator of MajallaMv, on encouraging Dhivehi language and culture through a virtual library platform.

Listen to episode 34: https://bit.ly/3BoMxaP

FRONTIER DIALOGUES EPISODE 34: WITH MAJALLA.MV ON ENCOURAGING DHIVEHI LANGUAGE 

This week on Frontier Dialogues we talk to Mohamed Jailam - Creator of MajallaMv, on encouraging Dhivehi language and culture through a virtual library platform.

Listen to episode 34: https://bit.ly/3BoMxaP

FRONTIER DIALOGUES EPISODE 33: RTI WITH AFRAH FROM RTI PORTAL 

This week on Frontier Dialogues, we talk to Mr. Ahmed Afrah, one of the solutionists of the Solutions Mapping exercise conducted by Accelrator Lab Maldives. Afrah talks about his Right to Information Portal in this episode, dedicated to the International Day for Universal Access to Information.

Listen to episode 33: https://anchor.fm/undp-maldives

FRONTIER DIALOGUES EPISODE 32: SUSTAINABLE PHLANTROPHY AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBLITY WITH SIYAH FROM MCF

This week on Frontier Dialogues, we talk to Mr. Ahmed Siyah, Founder and President of Maldivan Community Foundation (MCF) on promoting, encouraging, and facilitating sustainable philanthropy and social responsibility among citizens and businesses in the country.

Listen to episode 32: FD Ep 32: Sustainable philanthropy and social responsibility with Maldivian Community Foundation by UNDP MV (soundcloud.com)

FRONTIER DIALOGUES EPISODE 31: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE WITH SHUNAN FROM UTOTOAI

This week on Frontier Dialogues, we talk to @OfficialShunan Founder and CEO of @UtotoAi on Artificial intelligence: Awesome Clue - an AI-based personality prediction algorithm, and recommendation engine.

Listen to episode 30: bit.ly/3zkBOgq

FRONTIER DIALOGUES EPISODE 30: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE WITH PROFESSOR UGAIL

This week on Frontier Dialogues we talk to Professor Ugail - Director of the Centre for Visual Computing at University of Bradford, UK and Director of Ugail Foundation, on Artificial intelligence and its impact on national development the Maldives.

Listen to episode 30:  https://bit.ly/3Bzx5Jf 

FRONTIER DIALOGUES EPISODE 29: YOUTH INNOVATION, TRANSFORMING FOOD SYSTEMS WITH 'BINHEYO'

This week on Frontier Dialogues, we talk to ‘Binheyo’- an innovative team promoting urban farming, financial independence and food security, on transforming food systems and youth innovation for human and planetary health in celebration of International Youth Day.

Listen to episode 29: Stream FD Ep 29: Transforming food system - International Youth Day 2021 with Binheyo. by UNDP MV | Listen online for free on SoundCloud

FRONTIER DIALOGUES EPISODE 28: CATCH UP WITH MALDIVES ACCELERATOR LAB

This week on Frontier Dialogues we discuss the latest activities of the Maldives AccLab team.

Listen to episode 28: FD Ep 28: Maldives Accelerator Lab Catching Up Episode by UNDP MV (soundcloud.com)

FRONTIER DIALOGUES EPISODE 27: WORLD YOUTH SKILLS DAY WITH AHMED NASIR, MALDIVES POLYTECHNIC

This week on Frontier Dialogues, we talk to Ahmed Nasir, CEO of Maldives Polytechnic about the future of work and skills needed for the youth in the Maldives.

Listen to episode 27: Stream FD Ep 27: World Youth Skills Day with Mr. Ahmed Nasir, CEO of Maldives Polytechnic by UNDP MV | Listen online for free on SoundCloud

• https://anchor.fm/undp-maldives
• https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy81YmNlNDkyOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==
• https://open.spotify.com/show/1YoX4ZOF5xJFvPCZBfGi4V
• https://www.breaker.audio/frontier-dialogues
• https://pca.st/c111a8vw
• https://radiopublic.com/frontier-dialogues-WP5joR

Frontier Dialogues New Series on Innovation and Creativity Launched 12 May 2021

The United Nations (UN) has marked 2021 as the International Year of the Creative Economy for Sustainable Development. That’s why today we start a five episode series that focuses on creativity and innovation in problem-solving. You will enjoy five talks with inspiring and creative Maldivian people building back better through art, technology, and cleverness. Each episode will be released weekly. Enjoy the first episode of the series below.

FRONTIER DIALOGUES EPISODE 26: INNOVATION AND CREATIVITY EP 4 WITH NAJ 

This week on Frontier Dialogues we talk to Naj - a professional, self-taught female photographer working to document society and culture in various atolls of Maldives. Her work can be accessed at: www.twothousandisles.com

Listen to episode 26: 

SoundCloud: FD Ep 26: Innovation and Creativity with Naj, a female Maldivian photographer by UNDP MV (soundcloud.com)

Anchor: https://anchor.fm/undp-maldives

Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy81YmNlNDkyOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1YoX4ZOF5xJFvPCZBfGi4V

Pocket cast: https://pca.st/c111a8vw

Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/frontier-dialogues-WP5joR

FRONTIER DIALOGUES EPISODE 25: INNOVATION AND CREATIVITY EP 3 WITH NATTU - LOTTIE FILES

This week on Frontier Dialogues our host we talk to Nattu, co-founder of Lottie Files about innovation & how creativity contributes to our economies, solving societal problems by bulldozing across our belief systems. 

Listen to episode 25: https://soundcloud.com/user-539321192/fd-ep-25-innovation-and-creativity-with-nattu-co-founder-of-lottiefilescom

FRONTIER DIALOGUES EPISODE 24: INNOVATION AND CREATIVITY EP 2 WITH PROFESSOR PETER RUDGE

This week on Frontier Dialogues we talk to Professor Peter Rudge from Staffordshire University (UK) on 'Beyond the blue economy and creative industries in the SIDS.' He is an award-winning creative entrepreneur, academic, writer, & producer. 

Listen to episode 24:FD Ep 24: Creative Industries & Sustainable Development in the SIDS w/ Professor Peter Rudge by UNDP MV (soundcloud.com)

FRONTIER DIALOGUES EPISODE 23: INNOVATION AND CREATIVITY EP 1 WITH ABDULLAH SHAFEEU 

The new series of Frontier Dialogues this week features Abdulla Shafeeu , founder of Vaahaka.com. This Frontier Dialogue will be hosted in Dhivehi by Hussain Rasheed, UNDP Maldives Accelerator Lab’s Head of Experimentation. 

Listen to episode 23: Frontier Dialogues Ep 23: Innovation and Creativity with Abdulla Shafeeu by UNDP MV | Free Listening on SoundCloud 

English transcript of this episode

FRONTIER DIALOGUES EPISODE 22: INCLUSIVE WORKPLACES WITH MOHAMED MAZIN

This week on Frontier Dialogues - we have with us, Mohamed Mazin to speak about enabling and inclusive work places for persons with disabilities. 

Listen to episode 22: https://soundcloud.com/user-539321192/frontier-dialogues-ep-22-inclusive-workplaces-with-mohamed-mazin

English transcript of this episode

EPISODE 21: UNPACKING THE HIGH PERCENTAGE OF NEETs IN THE MALDIVES WITH ALI ADAM  - MARHP

On this episode of Frontier Dialogues our host Fernando Galindo talks to Ali Adam from Maldives Association of HR Professionals (MAHRP) on Unpacking the issue of high percentage of NEETs in the Maldives.

Listen to episode 21: https://soundcloud.com/user-539321192/frontier-dialogues

EPISODE 20: WOMEN IN THE TOURISM SECTOR IN THE MALDIVES WITH FATHIMATH SHAAZLEEN

This episode of Frontier Dialogues is part of the Maldives AccLab First Learning Cycle focusing on exclusions in the labor market in the country. We are currently working with many national actors to unpack the issue and co-design solutions. Under this exploratory frame and the celebration of International women's day, we want to dedicate this episode to explore Gender in the Workplace in the Maldives. That’s why today we have a special guest: Fathimath Shaazleen, who has extensive experience in the hospitality and tourism industry in the Maldives and abroad. 

Listen to Episode 20 at: https://soundcloud.com/user-539321192/frontier-dialogues-ep-20-women-in-the-tourism-sector-in-the-maldives-with-shaaz

EPISODE 19: FEATURING UNDP MALDIVES ACCELERATOR LAB 

In this episode of Frontier Dialogues, our host Fernando Galindo, who is also the  Innovation, Research and Development Lead at UNDP Maldives is joined by the UNDP Maldives Accelerator Lab team, comprising of Maldivian development practitioners: Khadeeja Hamid (Head of Solutions Mapping), Hussain Rasheed (Head of Experimentation) and Fathimath Lahfa (Head of Exploration). 

The Maldives Accelerator Lab, which is being launched on March 13th, is joining a global network of UNDP Accelerator Labs working to re-imagine innovative approaches development for the 21st Century. 

Listen to Episode 19 at: https://soundcloud.com/user-539321192/fd-episode-19-undp-maldives-accelerator-lab-team

EPISODE 18: WITH FERNANDO GALINDO AND AKIKO FUJII OF UNDP MALDIVES

The first episode of 2021 of Frontier Dialogues has UNDP Resident Representative in the Maldives Akiko Fujii talking to UNDP Maldives Innovation Lead Fernando Galindo about the Maldivian Innovation Journey in 2020 and the setting up of the UNDP Maldives Accelerator Lab as well as innovative development approaches for the 21st century.

Listen to Episode 18 at: https://soundcloud.com/user-539321192/fd-episode-18-undp-maldives-innovation-research-development-lead-fernando-galindo-rodriguez

17: WITH AKIKO FUJII, UNDP RESIDENT REPRESENTATIVE IN THE MALDIVES

Our last episode of the year finds our hosts Fernando & Khady talking to Ms. Akiko Fujii, Resident Representative of UNDP Maldives about her reflection on the year. Ms. Akiko explores the biggest challenges faced IN 2020, how UNDP adapted to those challenges and how this informs future actions.

Listen to Episode 17 at: https://soundcloud.com/user-539321192/undp-ms-akiko-fujji

EPISODE 16: WITH DR. ARVIND MATHUR, WHO REPRESENTATIVE TO THE MALDIVES

In this episode of #FrontierDialogues, our hosts Fernando and Khady chat with Dr. Arvind Mathur, the Representative of WHO in Maldives. Dr. Arvind reflects on 2020, WHO’s response in Maldives to the Covid-19, and how the pandemic has shaped the role of WHO in the international arena. Dr. Arvind also talks about the COVAX initiative and what we could expect from that in 2021.

Listen to Episode 16 at: FD Episode 16: WHO Representative to Maldives, Dr. Arvind Mathur by UNDP MV (soundcloud.com) 

EPISODE 15: WITH DR. M. MUNIR A. SAFIELDIN, UNICEF REPRESENTATIVE TO THE MALDIVES

This week  on Frontier Dialogues we talk to Dr. M. Munir A. Safieldin, UNICEF Representative to the Maldives who reflects on 2020, discuss the role of UNICEF in response to COVID-19 in the Maldives, and innovations in education.

Listen to Episode 15 at: https://soundcloud.com/user-539321192/dr-munir-safeildin-unicef-maldives 

EPISODE 14: WITH CATHERINE HASWELL, UN RESIDENT COORDINATOR IN THE MALDIVES

This week  we have a speacial episode of Frontier Dialogues with Ms. Catherine Haswell, the UN Resident Coordinator joining us to reflect on 2020, discuss the role of the UN system in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in the Maldives, and explore the implications of this pandemic and the Maldives’ role in multinational cooperation.

Listen to Episode 14 at: https://soundcloud.com/user-539321192/fd-episode-14-un-resident-coordinator-ms-catherine-haswell

EPISODE 13: IDEAS WITH HULWA KHALEEL

This week on Frontier Dialogues  we have with us Hulwa Khaleel, the Project Coordinator for IDEAS in the Maldives - an NGO partner of the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) Small Grant Programme (SGP), implemented by UNDP. Hulwa has worked with IDEAS on a voluntary basis to manage projects and drive outreach. She has experience in the education sector working on nation-wide vocational education and environmental education programs.

Listen to Episode 13 at: https://soundcloud.com/user-539321192/fd-episode-13-ideas-ngo-hulwa-khaleel

EPISODE 12: INNOVATIVE AND SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE WITH NGO FAAM'S  MOHAMED ZUBAIR

This week on Frontier Dialogues  we have with us Mohamed Zubair (Zubair) on behalf of FAAM Foundation- recipient of UNDP and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP) fund. In this episode, Zubair shares information about the work of FAAM and his passion and commitment for finding innovative and sustainable solutions to the development challenges of his community. He talks about what the NGO is doing under the GEF-SGP and UNDP-supported 'Kihaadhoo Goes Organic' project as well as the importance of making a shift to more nature friendly ways of farming. 

Listen to Episode 12 at: https://soundcloud.com/user-539321192/fd-episode-12

Full English transcript of this episode is available here

EPISODE 11: EFFECTS OF COVID-19 ON FISHERMEN WITH AHMED SHAFIU OF DHIVEHI MASVERIN 

This week on Frontier Dialogues we talk to Ahmed Shafiu, the President of NGO Dhivehi Masverin (Maldives Fishermen). We discuss the story behind Dhivehi Masverin, the effects of COVID-19 for fishermen, as well as the progress of their projects supported by Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme and UNDP. 

Listen to Episode 11 at: bit.ly/3mHNlBv

EPISODE 10: BUILDING FORWARD BETTER AFTER COVID-19 WITH SHUHAD IBRAHIM

This week on Frontier Dialogues we talk to Shuhad Ibrahim, who works as a Trade & Investment Consultant at the Ministry of Economic Development, about his work on the Rapid Livelihood Assessment Report and his thoughts on the crisis and possible ways forward.

Listen to Episode 10 at: https://bit.ly/3jZZ38u

EPISODE 9: CLIMATE AND WATER SECURITY WITH DR. ASSELA PATHIRANA

This week on Frontier Dialogues we talk to Dr. Assela Pathirana who has worked in the sector of climate and water security for more than 20 years. Currently Dr. Assela works for UNDP as Chief Technical Advisor-Water Engineering for the project 'Supporting Vulnerable Communities in Maldives to Manage Climate Change-Induced Water Shortages', implemented by the Ministry of Environment of the Maldives. Dr. Assela talks about issues that Maldivian islands face when it comes to potable water accessibility and how UNDP is collaborating with the Ministry of Environment to address these issues. Dr. Assela also highlights how digital tools help to effectively manage precious natural resources like groundwater lenses.

Listen to Episode 9 at: https://bit.ly/32wehKZ

EPISODE 8: YOUTH FOR SOCIAL CHANGE WITH MARIYAM YASMEEN

This week on Frontier Dialogues, we had a chat with Mariyam Yasmeen who took part in our Film for Change programme which encourages youth to explore social issues through the medium of film.

Listen to Episode 8 at: https://bit.ly/3gTvFzj

EPISODE 7: BUSINESS CENTER KULHUDHUFFUSHI WITH AREESHA MOOSA

This week we talk to Areesha Moosa, who works as the manager at Business Center Kulhudhuffushi. Areesha touches upon challenges faced by Maldivians searching for employment, difficulty in becoming financially independent, and skills needed to be developed for the future job market after COVID-19 pandemic.

Listen to Episode 7 at: https://bit.ly/2DcIyWi

EPISODE 6: MALDIVIAN RED CRESCENT  WITH MIZY MUSTHAFA

On this episode, we talk to  Mizy Musthafa, Communications and Resource Mobilisation Officer at Maldivian Red Crescent. Mizy touches upon some of the crucial work of the MRC team, often directly on the frontlines of the COVID-19 crisis, as seen with initiatives such as the launch of the Migrant Relief Fund. Mizy highlights how human rights and inclusion are key to the work of MRC as they assist communities to build back and recover stronger, and shares some of the significant lessons learned from the current crisis for future disaster preparedness.

Listen to Episode 6 at: https://soundcloud.com/user-539321192/maldivian-red-crescent-with-mizy-musthafa

EPISODE 5: WAMCO WITH ISMAIL UBAIDH

This week on Frontier Dialogues we talk to Ismail Ubaidh, General Manager of Marketing, Business and Development at the Waste Management Corporation Limited (WAMCO). He was part of the team that established the current waste collection system and introduced most of the services provided by WAMCO. Ubaidh talks about the crucial role the WAMCO team plays in continuing to provide sustainable waste management solutions for the people, while prioritizing safety of staff, especially in the face of major crises such as COVID-19.

Listen to Episode 5 at: https://soundcloud.com/user-539321192/frontier-dialogues-episode-5-wamco-with-ismail-ubaidh

EPISODE 4: RAPID LIVELIHOODS ASSESSMENT ON COVID-19 WITH DR AMINATH RIYAZ

This week we talk to Dr. Aminath Riyaz, an information management professional and one of the leading contributors on the Rapid Livelihoods Assessment on COVID-19, which looked at the impact of the crisis on the Maldives tourism industry in terms of employment and livelihoods and the potential knock-on effects on families and communities.

Listen to Episode 4 at: https://soundcloud.com/user-539321192/rapid-livelihoods-assessment-on-covid-19-with-dr-aminath-riyaz

EPISODE 3: THAANA MALLOW WITH FAATHUN

This week on Frontier Dialogues - we have with us, Fathimath Ibrahim (Faathun) on behalf of the Thaana Mellow team, winners of Miyaheli social innovation camp 2019. Thaana Mellow is a screen reading application which converts Thaana (written script of Maldivian language, Dhivehi) to Latin Dhivehi which then reads the text out loud. The app aims to addresses the gap in access to Dhivehi information sources online. Faathun, known for her volunteer work in multiple NGOs such as the Blind and Visually Impaired Society of Maldives and Maldives Red Crescent, is a true inspiration to all with her endless efforts to challenge societal expectations and show that Persons with Disabilities too can do anything they set their mind to.

Listen to Episode 3 at: https://soundcloud.com/user-539321192/fathun

Full transcript of Faathun's podcast is available here.

EPISODE 2: BLUE HEARTS WITH SHIBA

On this episode, we talk to Mariyam Shiba - a passionate advocate for mental well-being and easily accessible mental health services. She is the founder and chairperson of Blue Hearts, which is the first online mental health support and awarenesses platform in Maldives. Her academic background is in psychology. Frontier Dialogues is a series of podcasts from UNDP Maldives, bringing you voices from the front lines and in the response to COVID-19 in the country.

Listen to Episode 2 at: https://soundcloud.com/user-539321192/frontier-dialogues-ep2-blue-hearts-with-shiba

EPISODE 1: MIYAHELI WITH RAUSHAN

In our first talk, we feature Raushan Ali Firaq from UNDP Maldives, who tells us about the first virtual social innovation camp held in the Maldives, a part of the 'Miyaheli' series, that connected changemakers to create innovative ideas to fight the pandemic.

Listen to Episode 1 at: https://soundcloud.com/user-539321192/frontier-dialogues-part-1-miyaheli