Media outlets participating in the National Respect Campaign have signed an agreement to support the initiative, a nationwide campaign being conducted under the leadership of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.
The Ministry of Arts, Culture and Heritage, Public Service Media (PSM) and other media organisations will play a leading role in the campaign.
At a ceremony held to mark the agreement, Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage Heena Waleed signed on behalf of the ministry, while PSM Managing Director Ahmed Shakeeb signed on behalf of PSM.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Heena described the initiative as a project being implemented by the government with a significant purpose. Although the ministry has taken the lead in implementing the campaign, she said it is intended to be a national movement involving government ministries, companies and the public.
The minister said the media would have an important role in successfully advancing the national campaign, which aims to revive and promote the positive qualities of Maldivians.
“We believe this is a project that must be carried out permanently for our youth, children and all sections of society. Therefore, the support and cooperation of all parties are needed to make this a successful project. We consider the media to be one of the most important parties. Therefore, we greatly appreciate your participation with us in advancing this project and bringing its activities to the public.” Minister Heena said.
PSM Managing Director Ahmed Shakeeb said that throughout history, the Maldives has been recognised not only for its natural beauty and hospitality, but also for the kindness of Maldivians and the beautiful quality of showing respect for one another.
He said reviving these positive traditions and passing them on to the current and future generations is an important task that must be undertaken now.
“In my view, Maldivians have been known as people who respect and value one another and live simple lives. As this quality has gradually diminished among us and things have taken on a completely different character, I believe something we should have started from within ourselves long ago has now begun. I describe this as a project to restore the beautiful tradition of respect among us and, in reality, bring back our Maldivian identity.” Shakeeb said.
The Ministry of Arts, Culture and Heritage also signed agreements with 16 other media organisations participating in the campaign, in addition to PSM.
Following the President’s decision to revive the values and good character traditionally practised by Maldivians, a five-year National Respect Campaign is being planned across the Maldives.
The ministry has also opened a competition to design the logo for the campaign. Any Maldivian aged 16 or above can submit a logo design. The deadline for submissions is 2pm on 24 September. A cash prize of approximately USD 3,883 will be awarded for the winning design.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has also decided to establish a nine-member committee comprising individuals with experience in the arts to oversee the implementation of the campaign. The committee will include representatives from relevant ministries and Public Service Media,