Foreign Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel has stated that fostering a research culture opens another door to explain our situation to the world. The Minister said this while speaking after inaugurating the Theveli International Conference organized by the National University. In his speech at the opening ceremony of Theveli International Symposium 2025, the Foreign Minister focused on the importance of research in nation-building. The Minister said that organizing such a symposium by the National University will pave the way for advancing the field of research in the Maldives.
The Minister noted that many international participants are taking part in this conference, emphasizing the importance of finding solutions from their perspectives. He also stated that research plays a crucial role in making the Maldives’ voice heard globally. “It’s important to foster a research culture in a country like the Maldives where research is limited. It facilitates expressing our challenges and making our issues heard to the world,” the Minister said. The Minister highlighted that research plays a vital role in the progress of a society, helping to find solutions to societal challenges. In this regard, he mentioned that research contributes to protection from climate change, economic diversification, and ensuring public health safety.
The Minister noted that the current government places great importance on research in policy-making. He highlighted that the National Research Council conducts research and prioritizes policy-making. This results in evidence-based policy decisions, he said. Emphasizing the government’s encouragement and support for research, the Foreign Minister stated that the government is expanding the existing research grants for those researching in priority areas. In his speech, the Minister shared the areas where the government prioritizes research and development. These areas are climate change, renewable energy, social development, digital innovations, and sustainable tourism.
The Foreign Minister noted that as the government now relies on knowledge in policy-making and implementation, it brings sustainable solutions to issues.
