Responding Today for Tomorrow’: Third MV60_UN80 Panel Calls for Stronger Action on Adolescent Challenges

United Nations in Maldives in collaboration with the Government of Maldives, convened the third panel discussion in the MV60_UN80 series, titled “Responding Today for Tomorrow,” at the Islamic University of Maldives, commemorating the Maldives’ 60th anniversary of UN membership and the UN’s 80th anniversary. co-hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, in partnership with the UNICEF Maldives and Islamic University of Maldives, the session critically examined how demographic transitions influence the wellbeing and developmental opportunities of children and adolescents. Building on prior discussions in the series, the panel focused on strategies to sustain early childhood achievements while responding to the complex realities faced by adolescents. 

During the opening of the session, Dr. Aishath Waheeda, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs at the Islamic University of Maldives, highlighted both the opportunities and challenges facing Maldivian children and adolescents, including gaps in education, mental-health pressures, and social risks. She emphasized the importance of coordinated systems and inclusive policies, urging participants to centre children, invest in adolescence, and collaborate across sectors. 

Moderated by Dr. Aminath Shafiya Adam, Dean of Centre for Research and Publication, Islamic University of Maldives, the panel featured Dr. Edward Addai, UNICEF Representative, Fathimath Liusha Nasheed, Head of the International Relations Unit of Social and Family Development), Aishath Zuleikha Safleen, a youth representative, Noora Mohamed, Vice Chairperson of Society for Health Education, and Dr. Ismail Shafeeu, a medical doctor and health services management specialist representing the parental community.  The panel discussion was opened with a video highlighting adolescence as a critical period for development.

Panelists emphasized that meeting adolescent needs requires collaboration across sectors. Dr. Adward Addai highlighted integrated approaches linking education, health, and protection, while Ms. Liusha outlined efforts to expand services, close learning gaps, and strengthen pathways to skills and employment. Ms. Noora stressed community-based support, especially on smaller islands, and Dr. Shafeeu reflected on the challenges of navigating the digital environment while Ms. Zulaikha called for meaningful engagement of young people in policy processes to ensure their voices shape national decision-making.

Speakers identified key solutions, including resilience-building, mental health support, safe spaces, strengthened family support systems, and equitable access to opportunities, all aimed at preparing adolescents for a rapidly changing world.

 In her closing remarks, Ms. Mariyam Midhfa Naeem, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reflected on the Maldives’ shared progress in areas such as child survival and education. As we commemorate MV60_UN80, she also underscored the emerging challenges facing adolescents, including disengagement from education, mental-health pressures, and growing risks that threaten to erode past gains. Ms. Midhfa stressed the need for practical yet transformative action to ensure that every young person has access to quality learning, mental-health support, safe spaces, and meaningful opportunities to participate in decision-making. She reaffirmed the vital role of youth voices and reiterated the Government’s commitment to supporting them, concluding with gratitude for participants’ active engagement and an invitation to future discussions.

The panel was well-received, with participants highlighting the value of cross-sector dialogue, evidence-based solutions, and youth participation, setting the stage for continued collaboration to secure the wellbeing and potential of Maldives’ young population.