Consultations have begun to gather public ideas for the launch of a National Campaign Initiative to revive the culture of respect and good manners among Maldivians , which is being developed at the special request of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.
The consultation process is being organised by the Office of National Identity under the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Heritage. The inaugural meeting was officially opened by the Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage, Heena Waleed, during a special ceremony held at the ministry.
The National Campaign is a initiative being undertaken at the request of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to revive and strengthen traditional values of respect that are gradually disappearing from Maldivian society. According to the President, the initiative forms part of broader efforts to preserve the country's national identity.
Speaking at the opening of the consultations, Minister Heena said the initiative would be developed through ideas and recommendations gathered from across society. She noted that historical writings by foreign visitors describe Maldivians as people who traditionally showed great respect and courtesy towards one another. However, she said many of these admirable customs have faded over time, and the initiative aims to restore and reinforce them within Maldivian society.
“There are many accounts describing the respect, hospitality, manners and good conduct of the Maldivian people. Yet today, we all recognise the reality that our society is gradually losing these important qualities. Reviving and strengthening these values, and building a society where people respect and value one another, is a responsibility shared by every Maldivian citizen.” the minister said.
The minister expressed hope that the consultation meetings would generate valuable ideas and recommendations to help shape the initiative.
The consultation process will seek the views of clubs, non-governmental organisations, community groups and political parties from across the Maldives.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has previously stated that, by the time his administration came to office, the country's national identity had been significantly eroded. He said his government had since launched a number of initiatives to strengthen national identity and promote the Dhivehi language. He also noted that efforts were under way to research the Maldives' history and revive aspects of the country's cultural heritage.
The President further emphasised the importance of cooperation from civil servants and public institutions in advancing these efforts, adding that they had continued to provide valuable support.