The Maldives Institute of Local Governance Inaugurates

On Sunday night, Vice President of the Maldives Faisal Naseem inaugurated the Maldives Institute of Local Governance, coinciding with the Decentralisation Day in the Maldives. The institute was initiated by the Local Government Authority (LGA) to further widen the decentralized administration system of the Maldives by producing competent individuals equipped with the necessary training programmes.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Board President of the Local Government Authority, Imran Abdulla stated that transformative changes were brought to governance in the Maldives with the passing of the Decentralisation Act in 2010. He added that amendments brought to the Act in the current administration have paved way for local councils to exercise greater power and jurisdiction over their respective regions.

In his remarks, Vice President Faisal Naseem underscored the administration’s focus on empowering local councils and said that the governance system has been comprehensive. He also highlighted the administration’s efforts to empower women and increase their participation in governance. Spotlighting the work of the institute, the Vice President noted that producing skilled individuals is a prerequisite for augmenting and strengthening decentralized governance.

During the ceremony, the new website of the institute was unveiled along with the three-year strategic plan. Agreements were also exchanged between the Maldives Institute of Local Governance and its supporting partners including various government bodies. The agreements were signed on behalf of LGA by Chief Executive Officer, Afshan Latheef.