Farewell Speech of Ms. Catherine Haswell

Salam alaikum and good evening to you all.

I think at this point, I can well and truly assume that no introductions are necessary!

We have such an esteemed gathering here, and should I observe our standard diplomatic protocol, we may be here for some time as I welcome you all individually.

I shall therefore, with all protocols observed, and with the greatest of respect, simply welcome you all here as FRIENDS.

Thank you for being here this evening, your presence truly means the world to me.

Perhaps without you knowing it, this particular configuration of guests, and each of you being here, is the quintessential demonstration of the core role of the new UN Resident Coordinator.

With friends from both former and current Governments, Members of the Majlis, esteemed justices, local councils, fellow Ambassadors, political parties across the spectrum, the Elections Commission of Maldives, NGOs, academia, private sector entities and partners, organisations for people with disabilities, mental health partners, MPS and emergency responders from MNDF, friends with a shared passion for the environment and life under water, and special friends who have taken care of me from across the country.

With the support of my dear UN leadership team, and my dedicated team in the RCO, our role as convenors and bringing people across society together, in the pursuit of partnering towards achievement of the 2030 Agenda, has been our focus since my arrival in early 2020.

I was the first Resident Coordinator deployed to the Maldives after the reform of the UN Development System. As UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reminds us, the best gift that RCs have been given is time - being no longer encumbered by implementing a programme on the ground - in order to drive strategic partnerships and spearhead integration of our collective efforts.

For some of us though, the more time we have, the more ambitious our objectives and the more optimistic we are about what we can achieve! I'm afraid I am one of those. (Sorry RCO team!)

But time waits for no one, and whatever the size of our ambitions, we are limited to our 4-year term. And so, in my last few weeks when time is even more precious, I have been reflecting on where we have come from, and where we are going.

We survived the test by fire of the COVID-19 pandemic, working hand in glove with the Government, Maldivian Red Crescent, and diplomatic corps and coming out even better on the other end;

We prioritized a deep analysis, and wide participation across society to develop our UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for 2022-2026, the blueprint of our partnership with the Maldives for all UN entities;

We have increased our UN agencies working with you on the ground from 10 to 15, and drawn in even more expertise and capacity from Geneva, New York, Bangkok, Delhi, and Nairobi;

We raised resources and delivered four joint programmes of the UN team, working together to maximise the impact of our own respective mandates, with a further 2 in discussion with donors;

We have opened up the UN to Maldivians across the country - we are looking and engaging outwards, and with a wider range of partners than ever before (and a special mention of my friends in the faith community and academic community). Vitally, we are communicating in both English and Dhivehi, and building a dictionary of sustainable development terms in Dhivehi ensuring a greater reach to all Maldivians;

We have increased the reach and consistency of our presence out in islands spanning the country from Haa Alif Thuraakunu in the north, to Addu Feydhoo in the South, giving us special insights to the unique and varying development needs; and

We have kept the focus on people and championed the voice of the most vulnerable in the Maldives. We've walked the talk of sharing our platform to reach decision makers and senior government officials. I'm proud of my personal efforts for engaging with and advocating for access for young people, people with special abilities, and people seeking mental health support.

So what do I see ahead?

I see hope in the investment of so many in the democratic agenda, most clearly illustrated by this year's first peaceful transition of power in Maldives' democratic;

I see a bright future with efforts towards envisioning and creating a long-term national development plan, of the future that all Maldivians want;

I see clearly the unique role of the UN in the Maldives in delivering policy expertise and advice in the spirit of true partnership with the Government in delivering your national development priorities with due respect to rights and dignity for all; and

I see momentum. Momentum on the ground on what Member States and UN leadership have asked from their UN team. I can say without any hesitation that this momentum will continue in leaps and bounds, because behind it is genuine intent, passion and expertise.

To our Diplomatic Corps

When you surpass the 3-year point in the Maldives diplomatic corps, one is well and truly a veteran!

To all my colleagues and friends of the Corps, both here and in Colombo and Delhi, thank you to both you and your respective predecessors, for the leap of faith you have taken in supporting the work of the United Nations in the Maldives. At the heart of our friendship is the equal and highly valued partnership of all our UN Member States, and I have made it a hallmark of my tenure to engage in that sense of equality and partnership with you in the Maldives. It is a message I shall ensure is passed on to future UNRCs.

Dear Friends,

While we live in extraordinarily uncertain and challenging times, in a world where many people are experiencing violence, severe impacts of climate change including drought and flooding, and lack of dignity and their fundamental rights, I share with you the message from the Secretary General last evening:

Everywhere I go, I sense a profound hunger for the hope that springs from people working together for the common good. 

Working together is humanity's best hope. 

I am inspired and privileged to work alongside you, and hugely grateful for the sacrifices you and your families make. 

As well as his, and my own commitment, that we will never give up our often-unseen efforts to realise the rights and benefits of peace and development for all.

While I am departing with a great sadness, I remain invested in the future of the Maldives, a place and people which will always have a special place in my heart.

Shukkuirya and as we say in Geneva, a bientot, or see you soon!