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Strengthening SDG Policy through Strategic NGO Partnerships

In 2024, Ƶ continued to deepen its strategic engagement with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), intergovernmental bodies, and key government agencies, demonstrating direct involvement and input into national and regional Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) policy development.

Year-on-Year Progress: Moving from Consultation to Active Legislative and Regional Influence

The College’s 2024 engagement portfolio reflects a significant leap in strategic depth and national influence compared to 2023. While 2023 focused largely on thematic dialogues and reactive consultation (e.g., health strategy with WHO, GBV legislation with UNFPA), the 2024 agenda introduced active legislative participation, formalized capacity-building, and robust regional outreach.

Shift to Active Legislative and Policy Input: In a major step forward, the College transitioned from providing general feedback to directly contributing to national policy architecture. This included:

  • Direct Legislative Input: The Ƶ Student Association (VCSA), led by President Hussain Junaan, provided formal input into the University Bill consultations alongside other national student unions (MNU and IUM), marking the first instance of student-led legislative involvement.

  • Enhancing Governance: The College participated in the national electronic petition (e-petition) system consultation with the People’s Majlis and the UNDP, offering targeted technical and policy feedback to enhance citizen participation in governance (SDG 16).

  • Health Policy Leadership: The Faculty of Health Sciences secured representation on the Ministry of Health’s Faculty Advisory Committee and participated in the inaugural National Health Expo, formalizing the College’s input into national health policy and strategy.

Expanded Leadership and Regional Reach: 2024 saw greater prominence in leadership roles and a significant expansion of geographic reach beyond the capital:

  • Translating Research to Policy: Dr. Fazeela Ibrahim, Dean of Research, delivered the keynote presentation of the Media Mirror report at the Maldives Journalist Association’s “Noosveringe Salla” Press Freedom Day event, translating research findings into actionable recommendations for media governance (SDG 16).

  • Regional Capacity Building: Unlike the primarily Malé-based activities of 2023, 2024 included a 10-hour Proposal Writing Workshop for 36 NGO participants in Laamu Gan and a multi-day Health Outreach Programme in selected atolls, extending SDG partnerships into more remote communities.

  • Formalized Capacity Development: The Laamu Gan workshop included live pitch evaluations by managers from the Bank of Maldives, Dhiraagu, and Ooredoo, creating direct links between local NGOs and private sector partners for future grant collaborations—a more substantial and outcome-driven approach than previous years.

  • Targeted Sectoral Leadership: Dr. Aishath Selna served as a local expert and moderator for the Parents Forum at the 3rd National Thalassaemia Conference, directly guiding dialogues between healthcare professionals and caregivers to inform practice and policy adjustments (SDG 3).

This comprehensive approach, marked by a greater number of engagements and diversification across partner profiles (Parliament, corporate evaluators, media associations, regional councils, national health agencies), solidifies Ƶ’s position as a multi-sector convenor connecting grassroots concerns with national and regional policy frameworks.

NGOs Capacity Building in Laamu Atoll

Policy/Practice Impact: Strengthened NGO capacity for funding proposal development, enabling more effective implementation of local community initiatives.

In 2024, Ƶ Laamu Gan Campus (VCLGC) played a direct role in capacity building for local NGOs through the delivery of an intensive 10-hour Proposal Writing Workshop, organised in collaboration with the Laamu Atoll Council. The workshop engaged 36 participants from local NGOs, equipping them with essential skills to prepare competitive funding proposals. Ƶ’s involvement exemplified targeted input in strengthening organisational capacities, addressing the SDG-related challenge of resource mobilisation for local development initiatives, and thereby supporting SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

The workshop included practical exercises and culminated in pitch presentations evaluated by senior professionals from BML, Dhiraagu, and Ooredoo, providing participants with real-world feedback and networking opportunities. Ƶ contributed not only as an expert facilitator but also in identifying challenges faced by NGOs in funding proposals and modelling best practices for proposal development. This intervention demonstrated the College’s direct influence on NGO capability building, enhancing the effectiveness of local civil society actors and indirectly supporting SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) through improved implementation of community initiatives.

Moms Aid Advocacy and Outreach

Policy/Practice Impact: Advocated for gender equality and empowered parenting practices, strengthening household and community resilience.

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, Ƶ, through the Faculty of Shariah and Law (FSL) and the Ƶ Law Society, partnered with Moms Aid to participate in the national “EveryWoman – Empowering Women for Better Communities” campaign. The collaborative event was held in HA. Kelaa on 19 October 2024, aligning with SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

The focal activity of the session was an interactive talk on “Tharubiyyathu” (parenting and family upbringing), delivered by Uza. Aishath Khaleela, Senior Lecturer at FSL. Her presentation provided participants with valuable parenting insights, drawing upon both contemporary best practices and principles rooted in Islamic and Maldivian cultural contexts. The session aimed to equip parents, particularly mothers, with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to nurture and support their families effectively, thereby strengthening household resilience and contributing to the wellbeing of the wider community. This initiative served as an important advocacy platform, raising awareness about the role of empowered women and informed parenting in building cohesive, inclusive, and sustainable communities. By combining awareness-raising, community outreach, and SDG-focused advocacy, the event contributed to mobilising local support for gender equality and community capacity building.

The College’s involvement directly addressed gaps in parenting knowledge, enabling families to strengthen resilience and community cohesion. Furthermore, Ƶ acted as a policy advocate by raising awareness of gender equality, promoting informed parenting, and mobilising local support for sustainable community development. The engagement demonstrated Ƶ’s role in influencing SDG-related community practices, fostering partnerships between academia, civil society, and local communities.

Press Freedom: Public Trust in Media

Policy/Practice Impact: Provided evidence based insights on media trust, informing civil society and policy dialogues on press freedom and governance.

In recognition of Press Freedom Day, the Maldives Journalist Association (MJA) organised “Noosveringe Salla” – a national journalist dialogue event designed to foster open discussion on media freedom, professional ethics, and the challenges faced by the press in the Maldives. The programme featured a high-profile panel discussion with experienced journalists, editors, and civil society representatives, alongside the official launch of two significant research reports on press freedom and the state of media in the country. Dr. Fazeela Ibrahim, Dean of Research at Ƶ, delivered the keynote speech in her capacity as lead researcher for the study on . This is the first-of-its-kind study exploring public trust in Maldivian media, perceptions of media organisations, and the news sources most relied upon by the public. In her address, Dr. Fazeela presented the key findings of the research, offering evidence-based insights into systemic issues affecting journalistic independence, the role of legislation in safeguarding press rights, and the need for stronger institutional frameworks to protect freedom of expression. The event created a multi-stakeholder platform for dialogue, bringing together policymakers, journalists, academics, and NGO representatives to exchange perspectives and identify collaborative solutions. Through this engagement, Ƶ actively contributed to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by promoting transparency, accountability, and the rule of law, and to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering partnerships between academia, civil society, and the media sector. By presenting evidence-based insights, Ƶ directly informed ongoing discussions on media freedom and accountability. This initiative exemplified academic expertise translating into policy influence, strengthening multi-stakeholder engagement between civil society, media, and government for enhanced transparency and accountability.

In her address, Dr. Fazeela presented the key findings of the research, offering evidence-based insights into systemic issues affecting journalistic independence, the role of legislation in safeguarding press rights, and the need for stronger institutional frameworks to protect freedom of expression. The event created a multi-stakeholder platform for dialogue, bringing together policymakers, journalists, academics, and NGO representatives to exchange perspectives and identify collaborative solutions. Through this engagement, Ƶ actively contributed to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by promoting transparency, accountability, and the rule of law, and to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering partnerships between academia, civil society, and the media sector. By presenting evidence-based insights, Ƶ directly informed ongoing discussions on media freedom and accountability. This initiative exemplified academic expertise translating into policy influence, strengthening multi-stakeholder engagement between civil society, media, and government for enhanced transparency and accountability.

Health Outreach Programme in Atolls

Policy/Practice Impact: Advanced rural health awareness, non-communicable disease prevention, and student engagement in community health interventions.

In March 2024, the Faculty of Health Sciences partnered with the Villa Foundation to deliver a four-day Health Outreach Programme in selected atolls, aligned with SDG 3 and SDG 17. The initiative involved non-communicable disease (NCD) screening, health education sessions, and community engagement activities. Faculty and students collaborated to enhance rural health awareness and early detection, ensuring that student participation was integrated into all aspects of the programme. The College addressed rural healthcare gaps, promoted early detection, and enhanced collaborative health service delivery. Ƶ’s involvement directly addressed gaps in rural health services (SDG 3) and fostered cross-sector partnerships (SDG 17), exemplifying actionable input in national health promotion and community-based intervention planning.

Clinical Placement Orientation

Policy/Practice Impact: Strengthened nursing workforce readiness and institutional alignment with national healthcare standards.

In March and November 2024, the Faculty of Health Sciences partnered with IGMH, Hulhumalé Hospital, ADK Hospital, and TreeTop Hospital to jointly deliver clinical placement orientation for nursing interns, in line with SDG 3 and SDG 17. Across two sessions, the programme covered hospital standards, safety protocols, and patient care expectations. These orientations strengthened the clinical readiness of students and involved hospital leadership in preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals. The College co-developed orientation content, coordinated with hospital leadership, and reinforced safety and patient care protocols, ensuring students’ clinical readiness and supporting SDG 3 and SDG 17 by fostering competent healthcare professionals. Ƶ’s contribution included co-developing orientation content, coordinating with hospital leadership, and ensuring alignment with national healthcare standards, reinforcing SDG 3 and SDG 17 by enhancing clinical readiness and contributing to sustainable healthcare workforce development.

E-Petition System Consultation

Policy/Practice Impact: Influenced design and inclusivity of the Maldives’ digital citizen engagement platform, enhancing parliamentary transparency.

Ƶ participated in a stakeholder consultation on the proposed introduction of an . The initiative aims to modernise citizen engagement by providing a formal digital platform for the public to submit petitions directly to the legislature, thereby increasing transparency, accessibility, and participation in the democratic process. Ƶ representatives, Dr. Fazeela Ibrahim and Dr. Aishath Selna contributed targeted technical and policy feedback on the proposed system’s design, usability, and security considerations. They also emphasised the importance of user education, inclusivity for remote communities, and mechanisms to ensure petitions are meaningfully reviewed within parliamentary procedures.

This stakeholder engagement brought together key actors from government, civil society, and the technology sector to refine the platform before its implementation. The College’s participation directly advanced SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by promoting inclusive governance and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering cross-sector collaboration in policy innovation. Ƶ’s involvement addressed governance challenges, modelled adaptive mechanisms, and informed system design, promoting citizen participation and transparent legislative processes. By providing targeted input to the legislative design, Ƶ directly influenced SDG 16 (inclusive governance) and SDG 17 (cross-sector collaboration), enhancing democratic participation and strengthening institutional transparency.

People’s Majlis – University Bill Consultation

Policy/Practice Impact: Enabled student perspectives to inform higher education legislation, reinforcing participatory governance and academic policy inclusivity.

As part of ongoing legislative review processes, Ƶ students, represented by the Ƶ Student Association (VCSA), participated in a stakeholder consultation organised by the People’s Majlis to discuss the proposed amendments to the Higher Education and Training Act (Act No. 7/2021). The meeting, which also included the Maldives National University Student Union and the Islamic University of Maldives Student Union, provided a platform for student bodies to share their views and comments on the revised clauses of the University Bill. Ƶ’s representation was led by VCSA President Hussain Junaan, who presented the Association’s position on key amendments, highlighting their potential implications for academic governance, student rights, and the overall quality of higher education. His contributions reflected the priorities and concerns of the broader student community, ensuring that their perspectives were part of the legislative dialogue.

By actively participating in this consultation, VCSA reinforced SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), supporting inclusivity, transparency, and participatory decision-making in higher education policy development. The College’s involvement strengthened inclusive policy-making and transparency in higher education regulation.

Policy Dialogue on Thalassaemia Care

Policy/Practice Impact: Integrated patient, caregiver, and professional perspectives into national thalassaemia care strategies, supporting inclusive health policy development.

Dr. Aishath Selna, Senior Research Associate at Ƶ, contributed as a local expert and moderator during the 3rd National Thalassaemia Conference organised by the Maldivian Thalassemia Society (MTS). Held from 13–17 February 2024 in Malé, the conference brought together healthcare professionals, patients, caregivers, policymakers, and advocacy organisations to strengthen knowledge-sharing, build capacity, and advance coordinated action on thalassaemia care in the Maldives.

Dr. Selna moderated the Parents Forum segment, facilitating a medical expert panel designed for parents of children living with thalassaemia. Her role included guiding in-depth discussions on treatment updates, patient care strategies, and policy-related concerns, ensuring that community voices were integrated alongside professional expertise. The conference programme featured three dedicated segments: a Health Care Professionals Seminar (13 February), a Patients Conference (15 February), and the Parents Forum (16 February), each tailored to address the specific needs and perspectives of its audience. This multi-stakeholder engagement supported SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering collaboration between medical experts, advocacy groups, and families, and by creating an inclusive platform for dialogue and policy advocacy.

Volunteerism and Health Camp Participation

Policy/Practice Impact: Strengthened national health outreach and practical student training through collaborative volunteer initiatives.

Throughout 2024, the Faculty of Health Sciences partnered with the Ministry of Health, Health Protection Agency, Maldives Nurses Association, Red Crescent, and Cancer Society of Maldives to deliver volunteer-based health outreach, aligning with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Students and alumni provided health screening, health education, and on-site volunteer support at national health events. These engagements strengthened community health outreach and enhanced students’ practical skills, while fostering collaboration across multiple organisations. Ƶ’s involvement strengthened community health systems, enhanced student practical skills, and fostered multi-organisation partnerships, contributing to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and SDG 17. This engagement illustrates the College’s direct input into public health initiatives and its capacity to mobilise human resources effectively for community benefit.

Advisory Committee Participation

Policy/Practice Impact: Strengthened national health outreach and practical student training through collaborative volunteer initiatives.

In 2024, the Faculty of Health Sciences contributed to the Faculty Advisory Committee with the Ministry of Health, Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), Health Protection Agency, National Human Rights Commission, Ministry of Gender, and Alzheimer’s Society. The collaboration, aligned with SDG 3, SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 17, involved policy dialogue, sectoral input, and expert advice on health education programmes. This ongoing engagement embedded external policy expertise into academic planning and ensured cross-sector representation in decision-making processes. Ƶ provided policy advice, identified gaps, and co-developed strategies for health education programmes, reinforcing evidence-based planning and cross-sectoral collaboration. This collaboration ensured cross-sector expertise was embedded in academic planning and policy-informed governance mechanisms, highlighting Ƶ’s influence on public health strategy.

Participation in the First National Health Expo

Policy/Practice Impact: Enhanced public health awareness and access to services, while showcasing academic health sector partnerships.

In November 2024, the Faculty of Health Sciences partnered with the Ministry of Health to participate in the first-ever National Health Expo, aligning with SDG 3 and SDG 17. Faculty members and students provided health screening, health education, and information about academic programmes. Over two days, the activity engaged the public in health promotion and awareness, offering an interactive platform for citizens to access health services and resources. This initiative advanced SDG 3 and SDG 17, showcasing Ƶ’s role in mobilising academic resources for national health awareness campaigns and strengthening institutional partnerships for sustainable public health interventions.

Migrant Worker Awareness and Legal Aid Camps

Policy/Practice Impact: Improved health and legal access for migrant workers, informing inclusive service provision and equity focused policy discussions.

In November and December 2024, the Faculty of Health Sciences collaborated with the Faculty of Shariah and Law and migrant worker support NGOs to organise two Migrant Worker Awareness and Legal Aid Camps, aligned with SDG 3, SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 17 (Partnerships). The events delivered health services, education, and legal awareness to migrant workers, promoting health equity for vulnerable groups and directly addressing the needs of underserved populations. Ƶ contributed health services, legal education, and targeted outreach, addressing systemic inequities and modelling inclusive service strategies for vulnerable populations. The initiative enhanced equity, improved access to services for vulnerable populations, and demonstrated direct policy-relevant impact on health and labour inclusion practices.

In 2024, Ƶ’s partnerships evolved beyond participation into active leadership, technical contribution, service delivery, and regional outreach. The year marked a decisive shift toward multi-sector collaboration, combining the College’s established strengths in policy dialogue, legislative engagement, and advocacy with a greatly expanded role in public health outreach, sectoral advisory work, and capacity building for both NGOs and vulnerable communities. Through legislative contributions on the University Bill, technical inputs to the national e-petition system, and keynote-level dissemination of research findings on media governance, the College reinforced its role as a trusted source of evidence for decision-makers. Simultaneously, health-focused initiatives—ranging from volunteer-driven national health events and the inaugural National Health Expo to multi-day outreach programmes in atolls and targeted migrant worker health and rights camps—delivered tangible benefits to communities while embedding student learning in real-world service.

This diversification of activities not only expanded Ƶ’s geographic and thematic reach but also strengthened its position as a connector between grassroots priorities and national policy frameworks. By engaging with Parliament, government ministries, local councils, hospitals, professional associations, humanitarian organisations, and the private sector, the College advanced SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). These achievements demonstrate a maturing institutional role—one that not only informs policy but also shapes its design and supports its implementation—cementing Ƶ’s place as a catalyst for inclusive, evidence-driven, and partnership-based development in the Maldives.

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Ƶ began its historic journey on the 28th of January 2007, with the registration of its first institute, Villa Institute of Water Sports followed by the Villa Institute of Information Technology (VIIT) and Villa Institute of Hospitality and Tourism Studies.
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Rah Dhebai Hingun 20373 Male', Maldives
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