President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has pledged to safeguard the pillars of Maldivian national identity, declaring it a duty he will uphold with dedication and pride.

Delivering his Presidential Address, the President underscored the importance of preserving the Dhivehi language, Maldivian culture, and heritage, describing them as the strongest testament to the nation’s cultural independence and rightful ownership of its islands and waters.

Outlining key initiatives, President Dr Muizzu announced that work has begun on developing Level 3 National Occupational Competency Standard training packages for endangered crafts such as mat weaving, blacksmithing, carpentry, lacquer work, kasabu gethun (lace-braiding), feyli viyun (sarong weaving), and coconut palm crafts. He added that new training centres will be established this year, including a lacquer work centre in Baa Thulhaadhoo, a handicrafts centre in Dhaalu Rinbudhoo, and a mat weaving centre in Gaafu Dhaalu Gadhdhoo.

The President also revealed that the Interactive Immersive Museum at Usgekolhu will be completed and opened within the year. In addition, a nomination dossier has been submitted to UNESCO for the inscription of Maldivian coral stone mosques and traditional stone masonry on the World Heritage List. Heritage projects are also underway in Haa Alifu Utheemu, Thakandhoo, and Baarah, alongside efforts to establish a scholarly community for heritage research.

The President announced plans to launch a national vision for reviving the Maldivian way of life, including a nationwide campaign on respect and the introduction of “Bingaa,” an educational programme for school students, the first of its kind in the country.

To provide the legal framework for these initiatives, the President confirmed that bills on Maldivian national symbols and the establishment of a College of Maldivian Heritage will be submitted to the parliament during its second session this year.