The evaluation found that in the past six years UNDP in the Maldives has coped with two major transformational events: the 2004 tsunami and the changes in political system. It concludes that UNDP has been particularly effective in its support at the policy level, especially in the area of governance, but less so at the atoll and island level. Gender equality and youth remain major areas requiring effective support while capacity development is the most significant barrier to sustained progress.