President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced plans to establish a Youth Parliament comprising elected members as part of the Government’s efforts to empower the country's youth.

Speaking at the official ceremony marking the Maldives’ 61st Independence Day, the President said expanding the role of youth and women was essential to strengthening the country’s democracy. Noting that they account for a large proportion of the population, he said their participation in governance and efforts to safeguard independence must be increased.

President Dr Muizzu said members of the Youth Parliament would be elected from constituencies representing all areas covered by Parliament. He also announced plans to propose constitutional and legislative amendments aimed at increasing the political participation of youth and women.

The proposed changes would allocate specific proportions of seats in Parliament to youth and women. The President said the required amendments would be submitted to Parliament in the coming days.

He also highlighted the Government’s policy of economically empowering youth and women, referring to a recently introduced loan scheme and efforts to expand the creative economy.

President Dr Muizzu further said the Government aims to develop a skilled and productive generation with a strong sense of national and religious values through the National Service programme.