Disclaimer:
Please be aware that the content herein has not been peer reviewed. It consists of personal reflections, insights, and learnings of the contributor(s). It may not be exhaustive, nor does it aim to be authoritative knowledge.
Learnings on your challenge
What are the top key insights you generated about your learning challenge during this Action Learning Plan? (Please list a maximum of 5 key insights)
Integrated Data is a Strategic Asset: Tools like the Hulhumalé Liveability Index, combined with GIS and financial data, enabled a more holistic understanding of urban development dynamics.
Strategic Diversification is Critical for Urban Resilience: Moving beyond reliance on land sales, the introduction of smart infrastructure and digital services can create long-term value and financial stability.
Governance and Risk Management Drive Sustainability: Embedding risk mitigation and transparent decision-making frameworks enhanced the credibility and adaptability of the strategic planning process.
Co-creation Enhances Strategic Relevance:Engaging HDC teams, stakeholders, and technical partners early in the design process ensured solutions were tailored, owned, and actionable.
Institutionalization Enables Long-Term Impact:The co-created strategy has transitioned into an institutional process at HDC, with a roadmap, business plans, and internal monitoring mechanisms.
Considering the outcomes of this learning challenge, which of the following best describe the handover process? (Please select all that apply)
Our work has led to significant changes in our UNDP Country Office programming, Our work has led to a significant change in public policy at a national or local level, Our work has not yet scaled
Can you provide more detail on your handover process?
The strategic plan co-developed with HDC is now being embedded institutionally. UNDP's role has shifted from direct facilitation to advisory support, as HDC implements the plan through internal strategic planning teams and a performance framework. The strategy is now informing annual business plans and monitoring systems, driven by HDC leadership. The Maldives Accelerator Lab will continue supporting knowledge transfer, especially in areas of smart city tech and stakeholder innovation.
Please paste any link(s) to blog(s) or publication(s) that articulate the learnings on your frontier challenge.
Data and Methods
Relating to your types of data, why did you chose these? What gaps in available data were these addressing?
Why was it necessary to apply the above innovation method on your frontier challenge? How did these help you to unpack the system?
These approaches allowed the team to unpack urban systems by connecting infrastructure, governance, and user experience. Co-creation ensured stakeholder alignment. Data visualization tools enabled pattern recognition and trade-off discussions, while smart city approaches informed future-proofing strategies. Scenario planning helped test resilience across uncertain futures.
Partners
Please indicate what partners you have actually worked with for this learning challenge.
Please state the name of the partner:
Housing Development Corporation Ltd. (HDC)
What sector does your partner belong to?
Government (&related)
Please provide a brief description of the partnership.
The Maldives Accelerator Lab collaborated with HDC to design and deliver the corporation’s 2025–2030 Strategic Plan. This included diagnostic work, stakeholder engagement, strategic roadmap design, and performance monitoring tools to institutionalize good governance, innovation, and financial sustainability.
Is this a new and unusual partner for UNDP?
No
End
Bonus question: How did the interplay of innovation methods, new forms of data and unusual partners enable you to learn & generate insights, that otherwise you would have not been able to achieve?
The convergence of innovation methods (e.g., scenario planning), new forms of ESG and spatial data, and deep collaboration with a government SOE (HDC) allowed us to move beyond siloed planning. It created a shared language for sustainability, enabling systemic insights into how urban resilience, governance, and financial viability intersect. This level of insight and uptake would not have been possible using traditional planning processes alone.
Please upload any further supporting evidence / documents / data you have produced on your frontier challenge that showcase your learnings.
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8Decent work and economic growth
9Industry, innovation and infrastructure
11Sustainable cities and communities
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