President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has declared that the nation's youth represent its future, emphasising that protecting young people from harmful activities is a crucial responsibility and duty that rests upon his shoulders.
The President made these remarks during his Presidential Address at the first sitting of the first session of the People's Majlis for 2025.
Characterising youth as the growing and developing population of the nation and describing them as one of the country's most valuable assets, the President emphasised the vital need for young people's energy and strength in national development. He noted that efforts are underway to empower youth, particularly through the National Apprenticeship Programme.
He also highlighted that through the Community Upskilling Programme, 166 young people from 21 islands have completed training aimed at entering the job market and achieving self-sufficiency through their own work.
Furthermore, the President announced that training programmes targeting 500 young people have been planned for this year to develop youth who will work towards preventing gender-based violence and domestic abuse.
The President stated that the current Government is implementing comprehensive initiatives to engage youth actively in society, transforming them into productive contributors rather than allowing them to remain on the periphery. He noted that the National Service system, announced on Victory Day last year, would serve as a means of reviving and nurturing nationalism, knowledge and pride among Maldivian youth, whilst building citizens who cherish Islamic values.
He expressed his determination to end the current situation where many young people are forced to waste their youth in criminal environments. Through such services, he said the Maldivian state will cultivate young people's personal family life, national consciousness, morals and academic pursuits in the most beneficial way.
The President expressed complete confidence that Maldivian youth can become physically, mentally and spiritually healthy individuals. Expressing high hopes and trust in Maldivian youth, he described them as rising stars in Maldivian service who must be given space to shine.
He emphasised that activity is vital for a happy life, noting that fitness and sports are particularly valuable fields. He announced that within the next two years, every inhabited island in the Maldives will have a well-equipped children's park, an outdoor gym for different age groups and a fully resourced fitness and recreation centre.
Following extensive consultations, a twenty-year National Sports Development Plan has been formulated, alongside established standards for mandatory health services at stadiums hosting national and international sporting events.
Additionally, the President announced that construction will commence this year on several projects in Hulhumalé, including a multi-storey futsal complex, a multi-storey netball complex, a drifting stadium and an international surfing stadium in the Malé surf area.
During his address, the President characterised the sports sector as a domain that not only provides contentment and happiness but also delivers health and moral benefits whilst bringing honour to the country. In this regard, he noted that the Maldives established new sporting records during the past year.
