In a strong endorsement of open scientific and intellectual discourse, the Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage, Heena Waleed, has asserted that encouraging such productive debates is one of the most powerful steps a nation can take to secure its future.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of a national debate competition organised by the Maldives National University (MNU) Students Union, Minister Heena told attendees that intellectual insight, groundbreaking discoveries and resilient leadership all emerge from rigorous scientific dialogue.
“It is imperative that we instil the habit of scientific debate not only in our schools and universities, but at every level of society,” she said.
The Minister highlighted the pressing need for scientific conversations that can dissect the nation’s most urgent challenges.
“By debating these issues from a scientific perspective, we set a constructive example for future generations and lay the groundwork for evidence‑based policy making,” she explained.
Minister Heena called on educators, policymakers and community leaders to open minds and raise awareness on a wide array of topics, emphasising that the light of scientific debate has historically propelled new discoveries and integrated them into the very fabric of nation building.
She concluded her address by commending the MNU Student Union’s executive team for organising the competition, noting that the young organisers demonstrated skill and capability in fostering an environment where scientific discourse can thrive.