President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has emphasized how crucial the staff of President’s Office are in effectively implementing the administration's policies.

He made the statement while addressing a ceremony held to honor long-serving employees of the President’s Office.

In his remarks, the President stated that long-serving employees of the President’s Office have been instrumental in realizing the policies of successive administrations. He emphasized that the President’s Office is the highest in the executive branch and that its staff is crucial to the efficient implementation of every administration’s policies.

Underscoring the  vital role played by the staff of the President’s Office, President Solih stated that the most noticeable characteristic of every long-serving team member is their professionalism, which he described as the main reason behind their long and dedicated service to consecutive administrations.

The President highlighted that while the President’s Office sets examples for all other offices, the near-equal gender representation at the office corresponds to the administration’s aim of promoting gender equality. Noting that the age variation of the workforce ranges from the young to well-experienced adults, he urged the younger employees to follow in the footsteps of the more seasoned staff.

Speaking on important policies formulated by his administration to protect the nation’s interests, including ensuring its sustenance for future generations, President Solih said the policies, such as those implemented to protect the environment, could only be realized on a national scale through the collective efforts of every citizen. Citing the administration’s single-use plastic phase-out plan as a primary example, the President said that individual actions such as segregating waste should be taken up as a personal responsibility to ensure the policy’s success.

The President also acknowledged the dynamic changes occurring all around us, primarily the result of global economic downturns. He urged all citizens to prepare for such an event by adopting lifestyle changes such as economizing, saving, reducing electricity costs, and limiting the use of electrical appliances.

At the function, current and former employees who have served in the President’s Office in permanent posts for more than two decades received plaques of appreciation. As such plaques were presented to 126 recipients, among whom 20 were posthumous.

The President presented plaques to 49 recipients who served in the President’s Office for over 40, 35, and 30 years. He also presented plaques to 33 recipients who have served the office for more than 25 years. Vice President Faisal Naseem gave away plaques to 44 recipients who have served the office for over 20 years.