The Viluntheri Binaaru programme has concluded a series of regional trainings across the Maldives, bringing together local councils, technical officers and development partners to strengthen risk-informed planning and resilient infrastructure development.

Launched in Malé on 24 June, the programme was implemented by the Ministry of Housing, Land and Urban Development in partnership with UNDP Maldives, with support from the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure through the Infrastructure Resilience Accelerator Fund.

As councils prepare their next five-year Island Development Plans, Viluntheri Binaaru focused on equipping participants with practical tools and approaches to integrate climate and disaster risk into local planning, infrastructure investment and development decisions.

Beginning in Malé

The first regional session in Malé brought together representatives and technical officers from the central region.

Through practical exercises, technical discussions and knowledge exchange, participants explored how climate and disaster risk information can be incorporated into local development planning and future Island Development Plans.

The Malé session also provided an opportunity to strengthen coordination between councils and technical institutions, while building a shared understanding of risk-informed development and resilient infrastructure.

Taking the programme south to Addu City

The programme then continued to Addu City, where council representatives and technical officers from Gaafu Alifu, Gaafu Dhaalu, Fuvahmulah City and Addu City participated in the Southern Regional Workshop.

Building on the national rollout, participants examined how climate and disaster risks can shape local infrastructure and development priorities, and how these considerations can be reflected in future Island Development Plans.

The workshop combined practical learning, peer exchange and discussion around local challenges, helping participants connect climate and disaster risk information with real-world planning and infrastructure decisions.

Speaking at the closing ceremony in Addu City, H.E. G. Balasubramanian, High Commissioner of India to the Maldives, highlighted the value of the programme in strengthening policy planning for disaster-resilient infrastructure.

Strengthening local planning in the north

The journey continued to Kulhudhuffushi, bringing together representatives and technical officers from the northern region.

The Northern Regional Workshop focused on practical approaches to resilient and risk-informed local planning. Participants explored how climate and disaster risk can be integrated into local development priorities and infrastructure planning, while exchanging experiences and lessons from their respective island communities.

The session reinforced the importance of locally informed planning, particularly in the Maldives, where island communities face varying levels of exposure to coastal, climate and disaster risks.

Final regional session in Laamu Atoll

The final regional session was held in Laamu Atoll, bringing together council representatives and technical officers from Laamu, Gaafu Alifu and Gaafu Dhaalu Atolls.

The session provided another opportunity to strengthen local capacity for risk-informed planning and resilient infrastructure development, while ensuring councils from different regions were able to engage directly with the programme.

With the conclusion of the Laamu session, Viluntheri Binaaru completed its regional training journey across the country, extending practical learning and technical support to councils from the central, southern and northern regions.

From risk information to stronger local decisions

Across the regional workshops, participants engaged in practical sessions, knowledge exchange and collaborative learning focused on applying climate and disaster risk considerations to local development planning.

By linking risk information with planning and infrastructure decisions, the programme aims to support councils in developing Island Development Plans that are more resilient, inclusive and responsive to future climate and disaster risks.

Viluntheri Binaaru is implemented by the Ministry of Housing, Land and Urban Development in partnership with UNDP Maldives, with support from the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure through the Infrastructure Resilience Accelerator Fund. The programme is supported by the Governments of India and Australia, the European Union and the United Kingdom.