Islamic Minister Pledges Annual Sponsorship for International Conference on Intellectual Advancement

The Minister of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, has announced that his ministry will officially sponsor the International Conference on Intellectual Advancement (ICIA) annually, starting this year. The move aims to bolster the research capabilities and academic contributions of the Islamic University of Maldives (IUM). Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 11th ICIA, Minister Shaheem described the pursuit and teaching of knowledge as a profound responsibility and a vital catalyst for human development. He emphasized that the true purpose of a university extends beyond the classroom, encompassing community service, pioneering scientific research, and the drive toward sustainable development. “He did not merely bestow knowledge. He also granted the supreme blessing of expressing and articulating that knowledge,” the Minister stated, highlighting the divine value of education and the distinction between those who possess knowledge and those who do not. Since its inception in 2016, the ICIA has grown into the largest international symposium of its kind in the Maldives. The conference serves as a premier hub for scholarly debate and evidence-based research. This year's event has seen a significant global footprint, with 526 registered participants, including 53 scholars representing 18 different countries. The scale of the academic exchange is reflected in the submissions; of the 167 papers submitted—split almost evenly between local and international contributors—139 were accepted for presentation across two days of parallel academic and cultural sessions. To complement the main event, IUM conducted 10 specialized workshops focusing on the ethical application of modern research tools and the process of publishing in peer-reviewed international journals. These sessions, which drew up to 80 participants each, are designed to enhance the professional capacity of both students and academics. By securing official government sponsorship, the Ministry aims to foster a more robust research environment in the Maldives, strengthening the networks between local experts and the international academic community.