The Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD), Asian Population and Development Association (APDA), and Maldives Parliamentary Group on Population and Development (MPGPD), co-hosted a two-day meeting of the AFPPD Standing Committee on Investing in Youth in Malé, Maldives, on 24-25 June. The meeting was held in a hybrid format with the support of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Japan Trust Fund (JTF), and International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), and brought together approximately 45 participants from 14 countries, both in person and online. The opening session was moderated by Hon. Ali Fazad, MP Maldives and Chair of MPGPD. Remarks were delivered by Mr. Sugiyama Koji, the Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of Japan in the Maldives, among other dignitaries. Mr. Sugiyama highlighted Japan’s long-standing commitment to gender equality and youth empowerment through the JTF. He also emphasized Japan’s catalytic role beyond financial contributions, underscoring its collaboration with partners such as UNFPA, AFPPD, and APDA in promoting inclusive and evidence-based policymaking. Hon. Ahmed Nazim, Deputy Speaker of the People’s Majlis, officially declared the meeting open, stressing the importance of responding to demographic challenges and empowering women and young people through targeted policies.

In the thematic sessions, Hon. Dr. Anara Naeem, MP Maldives and member of AFPPD Executive Committee, outlined the major challenges facing women in the Maldives, including　 gender inequality in the workforce (46% of employed women work in low-paying sectors such as health and education, while tourism leadership is male-dominated), violence and stigma (one in three women has experienced domestic violence, yet underreporting persists due to social stigma and poor enforcement of laws), and low female participation in public life (societal pressure that prioritizes women's domestic roles limits their participation in public spheres). She also noted that only three women (3.2%) were elected to the 93-seat Parliament in the 2024 elections. In addition, UNFPA Maldives pointed to the urgent issues affecting youth. One in five young people is categorized as NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), reflecting serious concerns around unemployment and social isolation. Less than half of young people are engaged in the formal labor market, with many working in the informal sector without social protection. The need for policy reforms to address these issues was strongly emphasized. At the conclusion of the meeting, participants adopted the Malé Declaration, affirming their collective commitment to continue collaboration and transform the outcomes of the discussions into concrete parliamentary action, such as reviewing discriminatory laws and promoting legislation that advances gender equality.

Following the meeting, H.E. Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, President of the Republic of Maldives, posted on his official X account to underscore the vital role of parliaments for democracy and good governance. He reaffirmed the Maldives’ commitment to fostering gender balance and creating an inclusive environment within Parliament, noting that the underrepresentation of women in legislatures remains a pressing issue both globally and nationally.