Adam Naseer Ibrahim, Minister of Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage, has announced an initiative to introduce government-led training programmes that aim to equip individuals with the expertise necessary to manage museums across the country. The programme is designed to enable both private and public museum operations, particularly in the outer islands.
During an interview with PSM News, Minister Ibrahim stressed the importance of developing local talent to ensure the effective management of cultural institutions. He described the initiative as a vital step towards preserving the nation's rich heritage, adding that efforts are underway to launch the training sessions within the year.
This initiative aligns with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's emphasis on strengthening national identity—a principle embedded in the ministry's strategic action plan, the minister said. The plan prioritises the establishment of museums in the outer islands as a way to celebrate Maldivian culture and history, according to Minister Ibrahim, who added that expanding the knowledge base for museum operations across the country is central to this vision.
Progress in implementing these training programmes has been bolstered by international collaboration. Minister Ibrahim highlighted the role of discussions with foreign diplomats and officials in laying the groundwork for the programme, noting that preliminary training sessions had already been conducted last year.
"Engagements with foreign diplomats and international officials have facilitated the initiation of the practical components of these training programmes," Minister Ibrahim stated. "Last year, several ministry officials participated in training focused on this objective. This year, we have also secured additional training opportunities."
Looking ahead, two ministry officials are scheduled to travel to China on 17 April to explore specialised training prospects, the minister elaborated. He also outlined plans to open applications to the public following the completion of preliminary training sessions, with full-scale programmes expected to commence within three months.
As part of the administration's broader heritage preservation efforts, Minister Ibrahim underscored initiatives to restore historical sites and artefacts. These measures, he said, are coupled with a commitment to building museum management capacity at multiple levels, including community organisations, non-governmental entities, and individual stakeholders.