LocationsUNDP’s Newly Appointed Resident Representative, Presents Credentials to the Government of Maldives
July 7, 2025
UNDP’s Newly Appointed Resident Representative, Presents Credentials to the Government of Maldives
Malé, 7 July 2025: The newly appointed Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to the Republic of Maldives, Mr. Adnan Cheema, formally presented his credentials today to His Excellency Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives, during a meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In his role as Resident Representative, Mr. Cheema leads UNDP’s work in the Maldives, overseeing the organization’s contributions to national development efforts in close collaboration with the Government, civil society, development partners, and the wider United Nations system. His appointment comes at a pivotal moment as the Maldives accelerates its ambition to achieve developed country status by 2040 and deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Mr. Cheema expressed his gratitude to the Government of Maldives for the warm welcome and affirmed UNDP’s steadfast commitment to supporting the country’s development priorities.
“UNDP has been a trusted partner of the Maldives for over four decades, and I am honoured to take on this responsibility at such a critical juncture,” said Mr. Cheema. “We will continue to stand with the people of Maldives to deliver results that matter—especially as the nation faces the converging challenges of climate vulnerability, economic diversification, and governance reform.”
During the meeting, Mr. Cheema highlighted UNDP’s long-standing technical and policy support across key areas including climate resilience, inclusive governance, public sector reform, and economic transformation. He also discussed opportunities for deepening collaboration through the upcoming Country Programme Document (CPD) 2026–2030, which will guide UNDP’s development partnership in alignment with the Government’s long-term vision.
Minister Khaleel welcomed Mr. Cheema to the Maldives and acknowledged UNDP’s contributions as the leading development agency of the United Nations in the country.
“We recognize our longstanding partnership with the UNDP, and its efforts to support our national initiatives. I hope that this partnership continues to grow,” said Excellency Minister Khaleel.
About Mr. Adnan Cheema
Adnan Cheema (United Kingdom) is an international development professional with over 30 years of leadership experience across crisis, post-conflict, and development settings in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Before his appointment in the Maldives, Mr. Cheema served as Deputy Resident Representative for UNDP in Myanmar. He has held senior positions including Head of Sub-Office in Hodeidah, Yemen; Programme Manager of the $1.5 billion Funding Facility for Stabilization in Iraq; and Programme Manager for Recovery and Peacebuilding in Sudan.
Throughout his career, Mr. Cheema has led strategic initiatives in development, stabilization, and peacebuilding, working closely with governments, civil society, private sector, and multilateral donors. He has also served as Country Director for an international NGO, managing large-scale programmes focused on integrated development and climate adaptation.
Mr. Cheema holds an MSc in Development Administration and Planning from the University of Bristol and a BA (Hons) in Economics from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London.
