President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has unveiled ambitious plans to develop a comprehensive 20-year National Development Masterplan for the Maldives, aiming to steer the nation towards sustainable growth and prosperity. The announcement was made via a publicised video message, following a Cabinet recommendation.
The Masterplan is slated for completion within a year and promises to be a collective endeavour involving all citizens. “We are committed to realising the people’s vision for our nation,” President Muizzu stated. Input will be sought from political parties, civil society groups, experts, sports figures, and other respected individuals across the islands.
Emphasising the plan’s significance, the President revealed that it would be bolstered by legal backing, including a specifically designed law to support its implementation. “This Masterplan will have the strength of legislation to ensure its continuity and effectiveness,” he added.
Chief Spokesperson at the President’s Office, Heena Waleed, provided further details during a press conference held on Tuesday. She noted that the decision followed comprehensive deliberations on a proposal presented by the Principal Secretary to the President on Public Policy during the Cabinet meeting on 16 September 2024.
“The Cabinet recognises that national development encompasses both economic and human facets, vital for revitalising nationalism and embodying our nation’s virtues,” Waleed stated. She highlighted plans to incorporate the fundamental principles of the Masterplan into the Constitution, ensuring its protection under the law. A separate statute will delineate criteria for any future modifications, safeguarding the plan’s integrity.
To oversee the formulation, the Cabinet will constitute a team of experts in economic development, social planning, environmental and climate change, governance, and spatial planning, with oversight by local authorities. Competent local professionals will lead the team to preserve national vision and values. The plan’s formulation is scheduled to commence in November 2024, with a target completion within 12 months.
Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Mohamed Saeed, also addressed the media, outlining the benefits of the Free Trade Agreement between the Maldives and China, progress in building a creative economy, and other significant initiatives undertaken by his ministry.
The initiation of a 20-year National Development Masterplan signifies a pivotal moment for the Maldives. By seeking widespread participation, the government acknowledges the importance of inclusivity in shaping the nation’s future. Embedding the Masterplan’s principles into the Constitution and supporting it with specific legislation could provide the stability and continuity necessary for long-term projects, transcending political cycles.
However, the true test will lie in the execution. Effective collaboration across political divides, genuine engagement with civil society, and the integration of expert insights are essential for the Masterplan’s success. Additionally, balancing economic ambitions with environmental stewardship remains crucial for an island nation acutely vulnerable to climate change.
The emphasis on nationalism and preserving national virtues suggests a focus on maintaining cultural identity amidst global developments. As the Maldives embarks on this ambitious journey, it will be imperative to ensure that the process remains transparent, participatory, and adaptable to the evolving needs of its people.
