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ÃÜÌÒÊÓƵ delivered targeted capacity-building initiatives to strengthen leadership, project management, and communication skills in public and institutional governance contexts. Activities engaged over 200 participants from government agencies, independent commissions, state-owned enterprises, and community organisations.

Leadership Skills for Effective Management – Addu City Council: On 22 July 2024, the Faculty of Educational Studies (FES) delivered a targeted for the Addu City Council, titled Leadership Skills for Effective Management. Dr. Charles Vanover, a Fulbright Scholar with extensive expertise in leadership and governance development, facilitated the programme. The training brought together local policymakers, senior administrators, and council department heads with the aim of enhancing public sector leadership capacity at the local government level. Relevant topics were directly aligned with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), focusing on strategic decision-making, stakeholder engagement, effective governance frameworks, and performance management in public institutions. Participants explored case studies and global best practices that could be adapted to the Maldivian decentralised governance context. The nature of the engagement was a one-day, customised capacity-building programme that combined interactive lectures, practical exercises, and scenario-based problem-solving. Dr. Vanover introduced leadership models and tools for aligning council activities with community needs, improving interdepartmental coordination, and enhancing service delivery efficiency. The impact of the session was immediate and practical. Council leaders gained actionable frameworks to guide policy implementation and administrative decision-making, contributing to improved organisational performance and responsiveness to public needs. The training also reinforced ÃÜÌÒÊÓƵ’s role as a strategic partner in strengthening local governance and aligning municipal leadership practices with national development priorities.

Continuous Learning for Impactful Leaders: In October and November 2024, the Faculty of Educational Studies (FES) delivered a three-part leadership training series titled held in Malé (October 19), Kulhudhuffushi (November 9), and Addu City (November 16). The programme, led by Dr. Charles Vanover, targeted school principals, lead teachers, and education administrators—key actors in shaping education policy, institutional governance, and policy implementation across the Maldives. Relevant topics aligned with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), covering transformative leadership models, evidence-based decision-making in education, and strategic planning for sustainable school improvement. Discussions also addressed aligning school leadership practices with national education reform priorities and the importance of embedding equity and inclusivity in school governance.

The nature of engagement was a customised capacity-building programme delivered in three separate regional sessions, enabling broader geographical reach and ensuring participation from education leaders across multiple atolls. Each session blended interactive lectures, case study analysis, and peer-to-peer learning, allowing participants to adapt global best practices to their local contexts. The impact of the series was significant, with 58 participants across all three locations reporting enhanced understanding of how to apply leadership frameworks to improve teaching quality, strengthen institutional accountability, and foster collaborative school cultures. By equipping education sector decision-makers with advanced leadership tools, the programme directly contributed to capacity building at the policy implementation level, reinforcing ÃÜÌÒÊÓƵ’s role as a national leader in education governance and professional development.

MS Project Essentials – Public Corporate Training: From January 28–31, 2024, ÃÜÌÒÊÓƵ delivered a 10-hour and management capacity within the public sector. The hands-on training engaged 21 participants from key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Sports, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Bank of Maldives. Participants developed essential skills in creating Gantt charts, resource allocation, and progress tracking, which directly contributes to more efficient and transparent public administration. This technical upskilling equipped public sector leaders with the tools necessary to improve accountability and evidence-based decision-making in project delivery. The immediate impact was increased participant confidence, with several noting the software's direct applicability to ongoing government initiatives.

Emotional Intelligence at Work – Public Corporate Training: On February 28–29, 2024, ÃÜÌÒÊÓƵ delivered a aiming to upskill participants in understanding and leveraging emotions for improved workplace performance and governance. The capacity-building program engaged 24 participants from key public sector institutions, including the Auditor General’s Office, Commercial Bank of Maldives, and Fenaka Corporation. Focusing on self-awareness, emotional regulation, and emotionally intelligent leadership, the training provided essential skills for fostering collaborative workplace cultures and enhancing complex decision-making in policy contexts. Participants engaged in self-assessment and real-world scenario analysis, ultimately strengthening the emotional intelligence skills necessary for more adaptive and resilient governance in the Maldives.

Project Management – Public Corporate Training: From August 4–8, 2024, ÃÜÌÒÊÓƵ's Corporate Training Division delivered a 12-hour to upskill professionals in planning, executing, and overseeing projects effectively. The capacity-building workshop engaged 35 participants, including staff from the Bank of Maldives and various public sector institutions. The training focused on core competencies guided by the PMBOK framework, covering the project lifecycle, risk mitigation, and effective communication strategies for strategic project delivery. Through hands-on practice with industry-standard tools like the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and Critical Path Method (CPM), the program enhanced participants' confidence in applying structured planning and monitoring tools directly to their organizational roles.

Public Speaking – Public Corporate Training (Dhivehi): From August 10–24, 2024, ÃÜÌÒÊÓƵ’s Corporate Training Division conducted a programme designed to significantly enhance confidence, competence, and clarity in public communication. The practical, skills-based capacity-building initiative engaged 19 participants, including members of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), as well as directors, legal executives, and auditors from diverse public sector roles. This specialized general education focused on the foundations of public speaking, audience engagement techniques, and the cultural nuances of speaking in Dhivehi, equipping governance actors with skills to articulate policy ideas clearly and persuasively. The marked improvement in confidence and presentation skills ensures that public officials and community leaders can communicate more effectively in professional, policy, and community settings.

Training of Trainers (ToT) – Public Corporate Training: From September 10–12, 2024, ÃÜÌÒÊÓƵ conducted an intensive 18-hour to significantly upskill professionals in designing, delivering, and evaluating effective training initiatives. The program engaged 21 participants from diverse sectors, including representatives from key state-affiliated entities like Fuel Supplies Maldives (FSM) and Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA), alongside a wide range of public officials and community leaders. Core themes included the principles of adult learning, structured training design, and assessment methodologies, equipping participants with practical skills to produce structured lesson plans and utilize teaching resources effectively. By strengthening the capacity of professionals to train others, ÃÜÌÒÊÓƵ contributed to multiplying national capacity for skills transfer, workplace learning, and community education, directly supporting the strength of institutional governance.

Public Lecture – Igniting Innovation: From Ideation to Implementation: The Institute for Research and Innovation (IRI) hosted a public lecture on June 10, 2024, titled delivered by Dr. Tazeen Rizvi, Co-Founder and CEO of Xeven Health. This general education session drew over 45 participants, including policy influencers, representatives from government agencies, and business leaders, underscoring the cross-sectoral relevance of the topic. The lecture addressed the critical role of innovation in governance, policy development, and business transformation, providing practical frameworks for designing user-centred, scalable solutions and integrating innovation processes into policymaking cycles. This crucial outreach activity equipped government officials and leaders with actionable tools and perspectives to foster adaptive governance capacity in the Maldives.

ÃÜÌÒÊÓƵ hosted health-focused public lectures and expert sessions to inform policy and programme design, directly engaging health sector policymakers, practitioners, and regulators.

Public Lecture – Australia–Maldives Dialogue Series on Youth Mental Health: On June 10, 2024, the Institute for Research and Innovation (IRI) hosted a high-profile public lecture as part of the , co-organized with the High Commission of Australia and the Foreign Service Institute of Maldives. This significant outreach and general education event brought together over 70 participants, including senior officials from the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education, educators, and policy influencers. Delivered by Professor Patrick McGorry, the session addressed the critical public health challenge of deteriorating youth mental health, providing policymakers with evidence-backed strategies to inform the design and funding of youth mental health programs. The dialogue strengthened bilateral academic and policy linkages and ensured that officials gained up-to-date, research-based insights for integrating mental health awareness into national strategy and school systems.

Public Lecture – Cardiology and Public Health: On September 23, 2024, the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) at ÃÜÌÒÊÓƵ, in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic, hosted a , attended by approximately 100 participants. This multidisciplinary outreach event drew a diverse audience from public health agencies, international healthcare, and academia. The session focused on the prevention and early detection of cardiovascular diseases, the integration of cardiology research into population health strategies, and the role of global collaborations in advancing national health priorities. By providing technical insights and evidence-based recommendations, the lecture contributed to more informed and evidence-based health policy in the Maldives. The session culminated in the appointment of the Mayo Clinic speaker as an Adjunct Professor, laying the groundwork for future collaborations on joint research and capacity-building programs.

Health Expert Sessions: The Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) delivered a targeted series of through multiple one-day public lectures and webinars, providing essential outreach and general education on critical public health issues. Each session attracted between 30–60 participants from a multidisciplinary audience, including government agencies, NGOs, and health professionals. Key topics covered included Diabetes prevention, Disability inclusion in health systems, and Pharmacovigilance (medication safety and regulatory frameworks). These evidence-based sessions, facilitated in collaboration with partners like the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), strengthened the knowledge base of policymakers and practitioners, successfully promoting the integration of evidence-based strategies into national public health planning.

ÃÜÌÒÊÓƵ engaged in regional and national environmental policy dialogues and research dissemination events, contributing to sustainable resource management and climate resilience strategies for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Regional Workshop – Integrated Management of Small Island Water and Marine Resources: From December 9 to 11, 2024, the Institute for Research and Innovation (IRI), representing ÃÜÌÒÊÓƵ, participated in the. Coordinated with the IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, Netherlands, this high-level outreach and capacity-building event brought together over 55 participants from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) across multiple regions. The workshop addressed policy-relevant topics such as integrated water resource management (IWRM), climate resilience, and marine biodiversity conservation, directly supporting SDG 6, SDG 13, and SDG 14. ÃÜÌÒÊÓƵ contributed through the active participation of Senior Researchers who shared insights from ongoing Maldivian research, reinforcing the College’s position as a regional contributor to evidence-informed policies for sustainable resource management in island nations.

National Seminar – Integrated Management of Small Island Water and Marine Resources: On December 12, 2024, the Institute for Research and Innovation (IRI) at ÃÜÌÒÊÓƵ hosted the , in collaboration with the IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, Netherlands. The seminar gathered 55 participants, including national policymakers, water sector leaders, environmental regulators, and academic experts, to address the unique water and marine resource challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Relevant topics aligned with SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and interconnected with SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water). Key discussion areas included sustainable water management systems for small islands, marine ecosystem conservation, climate-resilient water security strategies, and integrating scientific research into national policy frameworks. The seminar also served as the (9–11 December 2024 in Thulusdhoo), bringing a policy focus to the research and capacity-building outcomes developed at the regional level.

This key outreach event gathered 55 participants, including national policymakers, water sector leaders, and environmental regulators, to address the unique water and marine resource challenges faced by SIDS. The seminar provided a policy focus for the preceding regional workshop, covering critical areas like sustainable water management systems and climate-resilient water security strategies. The event was highlighted by Master of Public Health (MPH) students presenting their dissertation findings on sustainable water safety, showcasing evidence-based strategies to enhance water governance. Recommendations from the seminar directly informed potential national policy measures, reinforcing ÃÜÌÒÊÓƵ’s role as a knowledge broker linking academic research to actionable policy solutions.

The Faculty of Shariah and Law (FSL), in partnership with the Prosecutor General’s Office and Mom’s Aid NGO, delivered a Domestic Violence Consultation Training (10 July) for law students and NGO representatives. The programme addressed legal frameworks, case reporting, victim support, and cross-sector collaboration, equipping participants to strengthen domestic violence prevention and enforcement measures.

Domestic Violence Consultation Training: On July 10, 2024, the Faculty of Shariah and Law, through its Law Society, partnered with the Prosecutor General’s Office and the Mom’s Aid NGO to deliver a highly interactive Domestic Violence Consultation Training. This key capacity-building program engaged approximately 20 participants, including law students and NGO representatives, to upskill their knowledge on the legal framework, reporting mechanisms, and victim protection services in the Maldives. Led by Public Prosecutors, the training utilized case studies and role-play exercises to reinforce the critical link between legal policy and practical enforcement, ultimately strengthening the collaborative and coordinated response network for survivors of domestic violence.

Industry Visit – SHE Building (Inclusivity): The Faculty of Educational Studies (FES) organized an industry visit to the SHE Building, focusing on advancing inclusivity and gender equality in professional and institutional settings. The visit served as an outreach and general education initiative, providing educators and policy influencers with practical exposure to the real-world application of inclusive workplace practices. Discussions addressed operational policies that promote equal opportunities, infrastructural adaptations for accessibility, and organisational culture frameworks to ensure gender equity. By witnessing the operationalization of inclusivity firsthand, participants gained actionable insights that can inform both internal institutional reforms and national-level legislative or regulatory improvements, fostering cross-sectoral networks committed to advancing gender-responsive governance in the Maldives.

Industry Visit – Imaduddin School: In 2024, the Faculty of Educational Studies (FES) organized an industry visit to Imaduddin School, creating a crucial outreach and general education platform for educators, policymakers, and academic leaders. The visit provided first-hand exposure to effective practices in curriculum delivery, inclusive education, and community engagement, allowing participants to assess how national education policy translates into classroom realities. Engagement included guided classroom observations and policy-focused roundtable discussions with school leaders and government education representatives. By fostering collaboration between educators and policymakers, the visit led to the identification of specific capacity-building needs and policy improvement opportunities aimed at strengthening student outcomes and teacher development across the Maldives.

Across all four themes, ÃÜÌÒÊÓƵ’s 2024 programmes reached over 500 stakeholders, including local, regional, and national policymakers; sector leaders; and community representatives. The initiatives bridged the gap between academic research, professional practice, and policy implementation, ensuring that knowledge translated into measurable capacity building and policy-relevant outcomes. By strategically targeting governance, health, environment, and equality, ÃÜÌÒÊÓƵ reinforced its role as a national leader in policy outreach, decision-maker education, and sustainable development.