Youth Ministry Extends Deadline for Civil Society Award Submissions

The Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts has extended the deadline for applications to the Civil Society Award, a national accolade that recognises outstanding voluntary contributions by registered organisations towards community development in the Maldives.

Originally scheduled to close on 10 July, the application window will now remain open until 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, 17 July. The ministry stated that the extension is intended to allow additional time for eligible organisations to finalise and submit their applications.

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The Civil Society Award is presented across nine categories, each representing a specific area of social progress and cultural preservation. These include the protection and empowerment of women, children, and youth, with a focus on initiatives that promote rights, development, and community involvement. Another key category recognises contributions within the disability sector, particularly efforts to foster inclusivity and accessibility.

Educational advancement is also prioritised, celebrating projects that enhance learning opportunities and academic success. A separate category honours the preservation of traditional craftsmanship, acknowledging work that sustains heritage skills and encourages artisanal innovation.

Recognition is further extended to organisations working to uphold Maldivian cultural identity through the safeguarding of customs, historical heritage, and the Dhivehi language. The revitalisation of arts and development within the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector are also acknowledged under a dedicated innovation category.

Environmental protection is addressed through initiatives aimed at conserving the natural environment, while public health programmes are recognised for efforts to improve community well-being. The final category highlights narcotics prevention, rewarding projects that reduce drug-related harm and strengthen societal resilience.

To be eligible for the award, organisations must be officially registered civil society groups and must have submitted annual reports to the Registrar of NGOs on time for the past two consecutive years. In addition, steering committee terms must be valid at the time of application.

Submissions can be made in person at the ministry’s counter at the Maldives Centre for Social Education or electronically via email to awards@youth.gov.mv. Application forms and detailed information are available on the ministry’s official website.