First Lady Returns After Attending the Merck Foundation Summit in Dubai

First Lady Sajidha Mohamed returned to Malé yesterday following her participation at the 7th Edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Summit, held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from June 18 to 19, 2025.

As Guest of Honour, the First Lady delivered a keynote address during the Inauguration Session and actively contributed to the Committee Meeting, where she addressed a range of pressing social issues alongside 13 other First Ladies from across Africa and Asia.

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In her Committee Meeting address, Sajidha shed light on the growing threat of cyberbullying, particularly its harmful effects on children. She emphasised the importance of promoting digital citizenship and noted the Maldives’ ongoing national awareness campaigns to combat online harassment and manipulation.

On the issue of juvenile justice and delinquency, the First Lady reiterated the Maldives’ commitment to a rehabilitative approach that emphasises education, early intervention, and reintegration. She called for addressing the root causes of youth delinquency through inclusive social policies and community support.

Addressing food security, the First Lady highlighted the vulnerability of small island nations like the Maldives to global supply chain disruptions. She reaffirmed the country’s commitment to building a resilient and sustainable food system, advocating for innovative solutions such as hydroponics to strengthen national food independence.

During the session, Madam Sajidha announced the upcoming launch of her non-governmental organisation (NGO), which she described as a platform to expand ongoing efforts to tackle key social issues. She credited the Merck Foundation for their continued collaboration in strengthening healthcare capacity in the Maldives and shared that their work had inspired the vision behind her new initiative.

Throughout the summit, discussions also centred on broader themes including infertility stigma, girls’ education, and closing healthcare gaps in underserved regions. In her keynote, the First Lady stressed the importance of inclusive policies, awareness campaigns, and regional cooperation to uplift vulnerable populations and ensure equitable access to essential services.