Regional Youth and Women’s Empowerment Forum Opens in Maldives Parliament
The meeting was officially opened by Deputy Speaker and Vice President of the Parliament, Ahmed Nazim. | Photo credit: The People’s Majlis
The regional meeting of the Youth Building Committee of the Asian Parliamentarian Population and Development Forum has commenced in the Maldives.
The two-day sub-regional parliamentary session, inaugurated yesterday at the Parliament House, focuses on empowering women and preparing youth for leadership in the South Asian region. The meeting was officially opened by Deputy Speaker and Vice President of the Parliament, Ahmed Nazim, who addressed lawmakers and delegates with a call for comprehensive policies that empower women and youth amid changing population dynamics.
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Nazim highlighted the significance of the 2014 Census in understanding demographic trends and projected that the Maldives’ population will approach one million by 2054, with a substantial portion residing in the Greater Malé Region. He underscored the need for effective healthcare systems, mental health support, and gender equality initiatives to ensure the welfare of the population.
“Our nation’s human capital is capable of supporting its development. To maintain this, we must invest in our human resources. It is crucial to provide education, skills, and leadership opportunities, particularly for young women,” Nazim stated.
The Deputy Speaker also stressed the importance of societal well-being and referenced the Government of President Mohamed Muizzu’s “Happiness Maldives” programme and the introduction of a National Happiness Index. Nazim commended the administration’s policies for aligning with international standards in tackling gender inequality and prioritising mental health and social welfare.
During his remarks, Nazim addressed the pressing issue of brain drain, describing the loss of talented citizens to opportunities abroad as a significant national concern. He called for urgent reforms in education, employment, and the broader economic system to retain and engage skilled individuals within the country. “Our nation will prosper by creating conditions that encourage these individuals to thrive here rather than leaving. The responsibility for this rests with us as members of the legislative assembly,” he stated.
In a move symbolising the Maldives’ commitment to regional leadership in this area, Nazim announced the appointment of Huraa Constituency MP Anara Naeem to the Executive Committee of the Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD).
