President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has urged civil communities based in local islands to engage more in the efforts to address the local community issues.

He made this appeal during the function held on on Thursday night to present the Civil Society Awards for the first time in Maldives.

The ceremony was held at the Maldives Centre for Social Education (MCSE).

Taking the podium at the event, the President called on civil society across all islands to take a proactive role in addressing matters related to the community and shed light on the importance and urgency of their engagement in tackling them.

Stressing that individuals would acknowledge the administration's development and progress in various sectors fully only once the underlying social problems are addressed, the president urged the society and communities nationwide to take action to address social issues.

Addressing the need to acknowledge the multiple social issues facing different island communities across the country through a decentralized approach, the president went on to shed light on the vital role civil society, including non-governmental organizations, can play in this effort.

President Solih stated that civil society could contribute to the efforts to mitigate climate change, environment conservation and protection, as well as addressing social issues.

Highlighting that civil society organizations should focus on addressing social issues and protecting the environment as their core objectives, President Solih stressed on the urgency for the whole society to participate in the administration's efforts to eliminate single-use plastics.

Thursday’s ceremony saw President Solih conferring awards to recipients of the Civil Society Awards.

First Lady Fazna Ahmed and Vice President Faisal Naseem also attended the function.

VP Naseem launched the "Mees Portal" during the ceremony.

Further, FL Fazna presented award letters to the recipients of the NGO grants.

Marking a significant milestone for the Maldives, the Civil Society Awards aim to encourage social empowerment, inspire proactive engagement by civil society and to raise awareness regarding social issues.

The awards also recognize and acknowledge the invaluable contributions of civil society.