The Southern Conference 2019, a councilors conference for southern-atolls has begun on Thursday.

The one-day conference was launched by Speaker of Parliament, former President Mohamed Nasheed who is set to participate in a few sessions as well.

The conference began at 10am in Villingili island of Gaaf Alif atoll with a total of four councils from the southern atolls participating.

As such, southernmost Addu City, Fuvahmulah City as well as Gaaf Alif and Gaaf Dhaal atoll councils joined.

The conference will be carried out in three sessions, the first will be moderated by Speaker Nasheed. Hahdhunmathi atoll council is scheduled to present a proposal on connectivity, during the first session.

Rifaa’ath Rasheed from the Ministry of Tourism is set to moderate the second session where a proposal will be submitted from the Gaaf Dhaal atoll council in order to increase the benefits of tourism in southernmost atolls.

Mohamed Naseer Ali from Gaaf Alif atoll council will be moderating the third and final session in which Addu City council will submit a proposal on the establishment of the Southern Regional Alliance.

Participants will be given the opportunity to raise queries for discussions during each session.

Further, voting will take place to pass the several proposals to be submitted from councils at each session.

A conclusion ceremony will be held at 9pm on Thursday after all sessions conclude.

While his tour began from Thinadhoo island on Wednesday, Nasheed travelled to Villingili island on Wednesday night. As part of his visit, Nasheed will be heading to southernmost Addu and Fuvahmulah Cities as well.