President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has marked International Youth Day with a call for a comprehensive, whole-of-society effort to empower young Maldivians, urging national stakeholders to actively support youth participation in shaping the country’s future.
In a statement shared on social media, President Muizzu underscored the importance of collective responsibility in fostering youth development. He stressed that young people must be given meaningful opportunities to participate in decision-making processes across all levels of society, from local communities and decentralised governance systems to global platforms, in pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals.
“On #InternationalYouthDay, I call for a whole-of-society approach that empowers young people to have their voices heard and their actions integrated in decision-making in every sphere – in their immediate communities, local governments and on global platforms towards our shared vision of achieving #SDGs and beyond,” the president stated.
“I urge persons in responsible positions to inculcate young people’s creative talents and provide them access to the right resources to chart the course of their futures.”
Building on this appeal, President Muizzu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance. He described youth as the vanguard of change and underscored the need to cultivate an environment in which their contributions are recognised and their potential fully realised. Coordinated development efforts, he noted, must be celebrated for their diversity, with benefits distributed equitably across society.
“My administration remains steadfast in fostering a participatory environment where youth are recognised as agents of change, where the diversity of coordinated efforts towards development is celebrated, and the benefits they reap are inclusive,” the president added.
The president’s remarks also included a direct appeal to those in positions of responsibility, urging them to nurture the creative capacities of young people and ensure access to the resources necessary for them to shape their futures. His comments reflect a broader policy orientation that places youth engagement at the centre of national progress.
In line with this vision, the government has launched a series of initiatives aimed at advancing youth empowerment. Among them is the establishment of a National Youth Advisory Committee, alongside efforts to develop a creative economy designed to generate opportunities for innovative young individuals. To prepare youth for the evolving demands of the modern workforce, the administration is implementing comprehensive up-skilling programmes and apprenticeship schemes in collaboration with private sector partners, government agencies, and educational institutions.
International Youth Day was first observed in 1998, following a global meeting of youth ministers who resolved to designate 12 August as an annual day of recognition for the contributions and potential of young people worldwide.