Government Collaborates with Cultural Practitioners to Revive Maldivian National Identity

The Ministry of Arts, Culture and Heritage has launched a consultative approach to shape the nation's heritage policy, engaging directly with practitioners to ensure professional expertise drives the sector's growth. Minister Heena Waleed announced this strategy following "The Voice of Heritage Professionals," a first-of-its-kind meeting designed to gather input from those working on the front lines of Maldivian culture. The consultation brought together a diverse group of experts, including practitioners of traditional Maldivian medicine, visual artists, and entrepreneurs managing heritage-linked small businesses. Minister Waleed emphasized that integrating these diverse perspectives is a critical step toward strengthening the sector and identifying collaborative opportunities for future development. This initiative aligns with the broader "Government 2.0" agenda and President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s inaugural pledge to revive Maldivian national identity. While the administration prioritizes the digitalization of public services, it is simultaneously pursuing a digital transformation of the cultural heritage sector. These efforts include the digitalization of heritage resources and targeted capacity-building programs to empower local professionals. During the session, Minister Waleed engaged with artists to discuss the specific challenges facing the arts community and how government collaboration can foster sustainable growth. Participants urged the Ministry to establish regular forums where professionals across different artistic disciplines can exchange ideas and address systemic hurdles. To reflect the spirit of the initiative, the meeting featured a curated cultural experience. Attendees were introduced to traditional Maldivian teas and engaged in ancestral board games such as Ohvalhu and Thinhama, while the National Heritage Centre hosted a specialized exhibition to showcase the living history the government seeks to preserve.