The Maldives’ governance system establishes different ministries designated for different areas. Throughout the years, these ministries have undergone significant evolution, with ministries being restructured and renamed across various administrations. Yet, until President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s presidency, the Ministry of Youth and Sports had consistently operated without much change.
Despite several youth empowerment policies being linked to sports, President Muizzu recognised empowering youth and developing sports as two entirely different functions and separated them into two different ministries. The newly established Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information and Art’s mandate is to transform Maldivian youth as energetic, innovative, and modern citizens while expanding their role in developing the country. Several initiatives have been launched over the past year to align with the ministry’s vision.
One of the key initiatives undertaken by the President during the first year of administration was the establishment of the Presidential Youth Advisors’s Board. The board, consisting of 15 members, was formed to advise the President on youth-related matters and incorporate the views and aspirations of the youth in the formulation of government policies.
The national effort to increase the role of women in the field of technology is a significant pledge of President Muizzu. Under efforts to fulfil the pledge, a walk-in session titled ‘Information Technology: Women’s Edition’ was conducted to provide information on opportunities available to women in the technology sector.
The Ministry has also undertaken several initiatives to develop individuals in the field of information technology. The Ministry conducted Youth Hack 2024 as part of plans to assist youth in developing the critical skills needed to advance in the coding field in the global market. Following the launch of the hackathon, two working sessions were held by the Ministry over the last year.
The Community Up-skilling Programme, another key initiative, offered training opportunities across various sectors, helping young Maldivians to gain national qualifications in their desired fields.
Furthermore, a Career Exploration programme was conducted by the Ministry in collaboration with companies, institutions, and resorts to provide information to the youth on the job opportunities available in the Maldivian job market and other areas with opportunities. The programme also raised awareness on diverse work environments and career possibilities. Two such programmes have been held with over 40 participants.
In addition to youth building and empowerment, fostering the arts is also an important part of the ministry’s mandate. The ministry has provided opportunities for young artists to showcase their talent at art galleries and in other forms over the past year.
Strengthening the media sector is also an important priority for the ministry. The ministry oversees the establishment of the ‘Media Village’, which is a key presidential pledge.
There is no doubt that youth empowerment extends beyond sports and entertainment. Teaching and developing different skills, and preparing youth for life as confident individuals is the government’s overall objective.
Along with these efforts, strengthening the information and arts sector and facilitating social health has been important work done by the ministry over the last year. All initiatives and achievements of the ministry reflect that the past year has been a successful year for the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts.