The Ministry of Tourism and Environment has inaugurated a national symposium intended to advance awareness and establish sustainable, long-term strategies for waste management across the Maldives. The event, titled the 'Magey Saafu Raajje National Symposium 2025', began in Gan, Laamu Atoll, and will run from 24 to 26 November.
Formally inaugurated by the Environment Ministry on 19 June, the symposium is designed to provide a national platform for consultations on sustainable waste management methods. It seeks to confront pressing challenges and operational difficulties in implementing long-term solutions. Its central aim is to identify specific remedies to sectoral obstacles and to deliberate on necessary advancements in this critical area.
The Environment Ministry has noted that this initiative is a vital component of the national commitment to building a clean Maldives. The gathering is intended to facilitate the exchange of ideas among participants, leading to the formulation of actionable plans and the discovery of sustainable solutions for the island nation.
In a video message delivered during the opening formalities, Tourism and Environment Minister Thoriq Ibrahim underscored the urgent necessity of safe and sustainable waste management to protect both the environment and public health. He noted that significant national focus has been directed towards island waste management since President Dr Mohamed Muizzu assumed office, resulting in the initiation of multiple high-priority projects.
A key measure of this governmental commitment is the ongoing effort to establish waste management facilities nationwide. The minister confirmed that work is currently underway to install such facilities in 137 islands, with projects contracted to both government-owned corporations and private companies. Parallel efforts are being undertaken to supply the essential equipment required for waste management operations. Minister Thoriq stated with confidence that upon the conclusion of this national initiative, every island in the country will be equipped with an adequate waste management facility.
The minister further stressed that the participation of both technical experts and practitioners actively engaged in daily operations reflects the importance placed on strengthening these foundational efforts. "The presence of both practitioners actively involved in the work and technical experts from the sector demonstrates the high priority assigned to reinforcing these initiatives," Minister Thoriq said.
He also highlighted that the overall advancement of this work depends heavily on the participation and cooperation of all stakeholders. "The advancement of this work is contingent upon the participation and collective cooperation of all stakeholders," Minister Thoriq added. "Critical conversations regarding waste management efforts will be shared and discussed during this symposium."
The symposium, conducted with the support of the World Bank, is centred on sharing critical information, experiences, and diverse perspectives on the safe and sustainable management of resources and waste.
Sessions across the three-day event are structured to cover a wide spectrum of topics, including policies, legislations, and regulations related to environmental issues and waste management, alongside the challenges encountered during implementation. A particular focus involves educating participants on waste management models successfully employed in other countries, with attention to how such systems can be adapted and sustained within the context of small island nations like the Maldives.
The programme also dedicates time to familiarising attendees with the existing legal framework governing resource and waste management. Presentations from sector experts and organisations that serve as exemplary models of effective practice are included, with the event designed to strengthen connections and foster collaboration among stakeholders engaged in the sector.
The symposium, held in Gan, has drawn approximately 200 participants. Attendees include senior government officials, recognised sector experts, and representatives from diverse groups committed to sustainable development. Participants hail from islands spanning seven atolls across the country, underscoring the breadth of national engagement in this initiative.