Gov’t Proposes Awards for Islands Excelling in National Happiness Index
Photo: The President’s Office
The Minister of Local Government, Adam Shareef Umar, has proposed the introduction of awards for islands that excel in achieving the objectives set by the Maldives National Happiness Index.
Speaking at a special ceremony held yesterday, the minister highlighted the various factors influencing the happiness of Maldivian citizens. He noted that challenges such as housing constraints and rising living costs force individuals to expand their work commitments, often at the expense of family time and a balanced lifestyle. He emphasised that these issues must be carefully considered in the development of the index.
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The Happiness Index is a national framework designed to assess the contentment and well-being of Maldivian citizens using a range of metrics. The minister stressed that it should be developed comprehensively through a structured approach that ensures effective data collection across all residential islands.
He confirmed that the implementation of the index will proceed in collaboration with local councils, with awareness programmes expected to launch soon. He also underscored the importance of recognising islands that make significant progress in meeting the index’s targets, suggesting that such achievements should be acknowledged through formal awards.
The minister expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders and supporting organisations involved in the initiative. The Local Government Authority is leading the development efforts in partnership with multiple organisations, while the Islamic University of Maldives (IUM) is providing technical and professional assistance.
