President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated that the most significant objective of holding Viavathi Raajje conference is to review the speedy and effective implementation of the decentralization policy.

The President made the statement on Sunday, at the opening ceremony of the third Viavathi Raajje Conference.

In his remarks, President Solih noted that the objective of reviewing the speedy and effective implementation of the decentralization policy is to ensure that the people’s developmental aspirations are met.

Additionally, he noted that this is to identify ways to strengthen and improve governance based on feedback.

President Solih stated that the conference offered a national-level platform for discussing policies and assured that the administration would consider the implementation of the decisions made at this platform.

Moreover, President Solih emphasized that the Viavathi Raajje conference held earlier this year on Ukulhas Island in Alifu Alifu Atoll had been very productive.

In his speech, the President urged participants to engage in dialogue to address the issues of violent extremism, gang crime, and the prevalence of substance abuse, which he identified as the primary threats to the social harmony. He added that concerted efforts of the government, local councils and the Women’s Development Committees (WDC), civil society and the other two powers of the State were also vital to address the issues.

At the inaugural session, President Solih launched seven handbooks made by the Local Government Authority (LGA) aimed at overcoming the challenges faced in the implementation of local governance.

The third Viavathi Raajje Conference is being held at Gan Island of Laamu Atoll. The conference would be held from September 11-12, 2022.

The two-day conference will feature four sessions with presentations and discussions on a variety of topics. These include gender equality, the formulation of land-use plans, fiscal autonomy of local councils and social welfare.

Participants of this conference include city council mayors, island council presidents and presidents of Women’s Development Committees (WDC) from the southern atolls of Maldives: Dhaalu, Thaa, Laamu, Gaafu Alif, Gaafu Dhaal Atolls, Fuvahmulah City and Addu City.

The President is joined at the conference by government ministers, Parliament members of the southern atolls, policy executives from the President’s Office, and technical experts from various institutions including state-owned enterprises. Over 270 individuals will be participating in this conference, along with 107 council members and WDC representatives.