The Maldives is preparing to launch its first-ever National Service Programme, aimed at empowering young people and contributing to national development.

The National Service Programme, for which more than 1,200 youth have already registered, is a flagship initiative of the current Administration and forms part of the Government’s broader policy to support youth through structured training, education, and civic engagement. According to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, the programme will be conducted annually from 2025 onwards. A legal framework is currently being finalised to govern the implementation of the scheme, and participants are expected to receive a monthly allowance of approximately MVR 6,000.

While new to the Maldives, similar national service programmes have been implemented in countries such as South Korea, Singapore, Sweden, and the United States. These models vary in structure but commonly aim to strengthen national unity, promote civic responsibility, and equip young people with practical skills. In countries like Singapore and South Korea, national service includes mandatory military training, whereas in the United States, programmes such as AmeriCorps focus on voluntary service in areas such as education, public health, and disaster response.

International research highlights the long-term benefits of national service for personal and professional development. Studies have shown that participants gain valuable skills in leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving, which improve their employability and confidence. For instance, a 2006 academic study found that 89 per cent of participants reported significant improvements in their leadership and collaborative abilities after completing national service. Similarly, a 2017 report by the Corporation for National and Community Service in the United States linked national service to increased technical and civic engagement among young people.

In addition to skill-building, national service initiatives are known to enhance social cohesion by bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds to work towards common goals. This dynamic has been particularly evident in countries where national service has played a key role in fostering unity among citizens of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

From an economic perspective, national service programmes contribute to productivity by engaging large numbers of youth in sectors like infrastructure, education, and public services. A 2012 report from South Korea’s Economic Institute found that national service personnel played a critical role in the development of public infrastructure projects. In the United States, national service is estimated to contribute  USD 3.6 billion annually to the economy through its various programmes.

In the Maldivian context, the National Service Programme is expected to offer training and work opportunities in sectors aligned with national priorities, such as social development, engineering, education, and healthcare. The Government anticipates that the programme will cultivate a generation of capable, nation-minded youth while addressing workforce needs across key public sectors.