Nexia Maldives, the consultancy appointed to draft the National Development Plan, has announced that it will begin visiting atolls in mid-September to gather public feedback.

The 20-year strategic framework, prepared by the Government, was assigned to Nexia Maldives in the first week of August. The firm said it has already completed the initial phase of work, which involved developing methods for data collection and research and finalising them in consultation with the steering committee.

Attention has now shifted to the second phase, which focuses on stakeholder engagement. Nexia Maldives said that discussions began last week and currently involve state agencies, Government offices, political parties, civil society organisations and international partners.

Building on these consultations, the firm will next travel across the atolls to meet local institutions and residents. The visits are scheduled to start in the second week of September, beginning in the southern region. Nexia Maldives added that its teams aim to reach all islands by October in order to understand the aspirations and priorities of communities for island development.

In addition to face-to-face meetings, an online platform will be introduced to allow members of the public to submit their views.

The National Development Plan has been described as a central vision of the current Administration. It is designed as a long-term framework to address the country’s evolving economic, social, environmental and infrastructural needs, with a particular emphasis on sustainability and national priorities. Oversight of the project is being carried out by the Ministry of Finance and Planning on behalf of the Government.

Officials have stated that the plan will aim to chart the country’s future direction with contributions from people in every island. 

Nexia Maldives, entrusted with drafting the plan, brings more than 18 years of consultancy experience in the Maldives. The firm has previously delivered a wide range of projects in Government policy formulation, institutional governance and strategic planning.