Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts Ibrahim Waheed has unveiled new measures aimed at easing operational barriers faced by civil society organisations, including the introduction of a free, dedicated working space for NGOs.
Speaking at the Civil Society Awards ceremony held at the Youth Hub, Minister Waheed announced that the first floor of the building will be formally designated as an “NGO Working Space”, accessible at no cost to eligible organisations. He said the initiative responds to long-standing challenges in the sector, particularly the lack of affordable venues for meetings, training sessions, and programme activities.
The Minister said access to the facility will be limited to NGOs that are formally registered and compliant with all regulatory requirements. A policy framework outlining the criteria for use is currently being drafted.
During his remarks, Minister Waheed also highlighted concerns over delays by some organisations that previously received state funding. He noted that grants were issued to 15 NGOs for island-level projects, but implementation has lagged in several cases. He urged organisations to fulfil their commitments, emphasising that public funds must translate into real community benefits.
The event also celebrated the achievements of seven civil society groups for their contributions to national development:
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Women Empowerment Association of Thinadhoo – recognised for its advocacy on women’s rights
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Care Society – honoured for its services supporting persons with special needs
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Thulhaadhoo Silver Shine Club – awarded for education-focused community initiatives
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Shaairunge Vaadhee – recognised for its work in cultural preservation
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Clean Maldives – honoured for environmental conservation and awareness
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Alzheimer’s Society of Maldives – awarded for its health advocacy and support work
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Girindhaa NGO – recognised for its contributions to drug prevention programmes
The Ministry said the new measures underscore the government’s commitment to strengthening the role of civil society in national development, empowering NGOs with both resources and recognition as they expand their impact across communities.
