Vice President Urges Youth to Lead Maldives' Transition to Developed Nation Status

Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef has called on the youth to take personal initiative and lead the national effort to transform the Maldives into a developed nation. Speaking as the guest of honor at the Villa College Student Achievement Awards, the Vice President emphasized that the energy and intellect of the younger generation are critical to achieving this societal shift. The address centered on the pivotal role of recent graduates as productive members of society. The Vice President urged them to harness their academic knowledge and technical skills to pioneer innovative solutions across sectors vital to national progress. He noted that whether graduates are already in leadership positions or entering the workforce for the first time, their capacity for innovative thinking is essential to raising service standards in both public and private institutions. Central to his remarks was the strategic vision of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, who has set a goal for the Maldives to achieve fully developed-country status by the year 2040. The Vice President framed this objective as a shared national ambition, stating that the realization of this vision depends heavily on the active participation of the youth. "To achieve this vision, the assistance of all of you is required," the Vice President stated. "In particular, young people must take the initiative, utilise innovative thinking, and personally participate in this endeavour." Highlighting the growing number of graduates as a sign of the country's commitment to resolving domestic challenges, the Vice President stressed the fundamental importance of the education system. He encouraged the award recipients to prioritize the use of modern tools and maintain high levels of technical proficiency in their professional careers. The ceremony concluded with the Vice President presenting the Qasim Ibrahim Award for Excellence to distinguished graduates. He also acknowledged the institutional milestones achieved by Villa College, expressing gratitude to its founder, Qasim Ibrahim, and the college administration for their contributions to the nation's educational landscape.