The ideas and participation of creators have helped identify new opportunities to further strengthen the country's cultural sector, Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage Heena Waleed has said.

Speaking to reporters after concluding the inaugural "Tharikaveringe Adu" consultation held on Wednesday, Minister Heena described the session as the first of its kind to bring together creators working across different areas of the cultural sector.

She said the consultation drew creators and professionals from a wide range of fields, including traditional Maldivian medicine, visual arts, and cultural enterprises.

Minister Heena said the discussions provided valuable insight into the work being carried out by creators, while also creating an opportunity to exchange ideas and consult on ways to further develop the arts and cultural sector.

She added that the views and recommendations shared during the session would help identify practical measures to strengthen and advance the sector.

"One of the Government's key policies is to listen to the public. We aim to listen to creators, consider their ideas and recommendations, and work together to develop the sector," Minister Heena said.

The minister also noted that preserving Maldivian national identity remains one of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's key pledges. She said efforts are already underway to introduce national identity education in schools, while several initiatives have also been launched to safeguard the country's intangible cultural heritage.

She added that one of the ministry's key priorities is to build capacity within the sector by providing the training needed to preserve cultural heritage and develop skilled professionals