The government has initiated a broad public consultation campaign for its long-term national development strategy, ‘Viluntheri Raajje 2045’, translated as ‘Resilient Maldives 2045’. The plan, which sets out a legally binding framework for the country’s progress over the next two decades, began with its first outreach session in Guraidhoo, Kaafu Atoll. Officials intend to visit every inhabited island to gather input from communities across the nation.
Structured to guide national efforts from 2025 to 2045, the strategy highlights sustainable resource use and aims to maximise benefits for both the country and its citizens. At its heart is a commitment to building resilience, preparing the Maldives to navigate global economic shifts, technological change, and the intensifying effects of climate change.
Hamid Sadiq, managing director of Nexia Maldives and project manager for ‘Resilient Maldives 2045’, described the island visits as a means of collecting insights from diverse sectors and gaining a direct understanding of local challenges. Speaking to PSM News, Sadiq noted that the initiative encourages active participation from institutions and residents, inviting them to share their visions for the future of their islands.
The inaugural ‘Kurimagu Salla’, translated as ‘future dialogue’, session in Guraidhoo brought together a wide range of stakeholders. Among the participants were representatives from Guraidhoo School, the Maldives Police Service, the Home for Persons with Special Needs, the State Electric Company (STELCO), and members of the general public. Officials from other institutions also took part. Discussions centred on the island’s development over the next 20 years, with particular attention to social relations and the local business climate.
Community input, Sadiq stressed, is central to the plan’s formulation. “The most important part” of the process, he said, is the information gathered during these visits. “Discussions will encompass various facets of the island's development. Subsequently, following deliberations on key priorities and consultation with our experts, the long-term strategic plan will be formulated, drawing upon the comprehensive data collected from every inhabited island across the Maldives.”
Consultation teams will begin travelling on 13 September and remain committed to engaging both the general public and institutional stakeholders throughout the country.