Villa College strengthened its partnerships with regional NGOs and government bodies to actively contribute to sustainable development policy initiatives, addressing the challenges and priorities aligned with the SDGs. Through direct involvement in discussions, Villa College has been instrumental in identifying key social, economic, and environmental issues, and proposing data-driven policies and actionable strategies. Through active involvement in panel discussions, impact assessments, and monitoring processes, Villa College has played a key role in cross-sectoral dialogues on the SDGs. Engaging in conferences and collaborative forums with government bodies and NGOs, Villa College contributes valuable insights to shape sustainable development strategies for long-term impact.
Bridging the Data Gap: The Role of Academia in Sustainable Development:
On October 30, 2023, Villa College participated in an impactful academic forum in collaboration with UN Maldives and the Maldives Academic Community titled "Bridging the Data Gap – What is the role of Academia?" This forum aimed to foster cross-sectoral dialogue to enhance research and analysis across priority areas, empowering academia to play a crucial role in generating robust data for evidence-based policy development. Through consultation and discussion, the event supported the development of effective strategies and decision-making processes to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda. The event brought together 114 participants, including academics, researchers, government officials, policymakers, and representatives from NGOs, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas through seminars and networking sessions. Discussions emphasized the critical role of academia in data-driven policy support for all SDGs, with a focus on collaboration across sectors to ensure the reliability and utility of data in sustainable development efforts. A significant milestone of the event was the signing of a Declaration of Commitment by UN Maldives, Villa College, Maldives National University, and the Islamic University of the Maldives. This declaration affirmed a shared dedication to ongoing collaboration, emphasizing the crucial role of academia in advancing national efforts toward the 2030 Agenda.
International Conference on Social Research and Innovation (ICSRI) 2023:
The International Conference on Social Research and Innovation (ICSRI) 2023, hosted by the Institute for Research and Innovation at Villa College on June 17-18, 2023, brought together researchers, academics, students, and industry experts to showcase and share research findings under the theme, "Breakthrough to Excellence: Achieving a Networked Community." The two-day event featured a comprehensive range of topics across eight thematic tracks, each aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
Policy, Law, and Governance (SDG 16)
Entrepreneurship, Finance, and Industry (SDGs 8, 17)
Environment, Sustainability, and Development (SDGs 7, 11, 13, 14, 15)
Human Rights, Gender, and Society (SDGs 1, 5, 10)
Education, Language, and Skill Development (SDG 4)
Health, Nursing, and Social Work (SDGs 3)
Psychology, Lifestyle, and Well-being (SDG 3)
Engineering, Technology, and Innovation (SDG 9)
The conference facilitated intellectual discussions, panel sessions, and networking opportunities across academia, civil society, healthcare, environmental conservation, and industry. Attended by 200 participants, ICSRI 2023 underscored the pivotal role of research and innovation in addressing contemporary social challenges and fostering sustainable development. For further information, visit the ICSRI 2024 website.
International Conference on Implementing People-Focused Access to Justice:
The International Conference on Implementing People-Focused Access to Justice, held on April 19-20, 2023, highlighted Villa College's commitment to advancing SDG policy development through collaborative partnerships with regional NGOs and government entities. Organized by the Equal Rights Initiative, Villa College’s Faculty of Shariah and Law, and Symbiosis Law School (Nagpur), and co-supported by USAID and the National Democratic Institute. Discussions centered on critical themes such as the rule of law, human rights, legal aid provision, and justice accessibility, with a focus on the needs of vulnerable groups, including migrant workers. Through this event, Villa College continues to foster impactful regional partnerships and contributes actively to people-centered SDG policies.
Villa College participated in the two-day Advocacy Workshop on Gender Data Use in Policy Making in the Maldives, held on 5-6 December 2023. The workshop aimed to enhance understanding of the importance of incorporating gender considerations into data collection processes and the development of policies. It provided a platform for government officials, academics, and researchers to share recommendations on strengthening the use of gender data in policymaking. Villa College actively engaged in discussions, contributing to the formulation of strategies and solutions for meaningful integration of gender data into national policies. The event was organized in collaboration with the Maldives Bureau of Statistics, the Ministry of Social and Family Development, and Paris21, and served as an important step toward advancing gender equality in policy development in the Maldives.
The Forum on Accelerating the National NCD Response in Maldives, held on August 15-16, 2023, gathered key government officials, NGOs, academics, and international partners to discuss priorities and milestones in non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention and management. Villa College actively participated in this event, which included keynote addresses, panel discussions, and interactive sessions aimed at fostering collaboration among stakeholders to develop a comprehensive roadmap for addressing NCDs nationally. High-level representatives from the Ministry of Health, councils, academies, professional societies, and development partners (including UNDP, UNFPA, and UNICEF) participated, demonstrating Villa College’s commitment to regional partnerships for sustainable health solutions aligned with SDG policy development.
On 15th November 2023, Villa College’s Institute for Research and Innovation (IRI) participated in a consultative meeting with the World Health Organization (WHO) to discuss the health section of the Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) for 2024-2029. The meeting brought together key stakeholders from government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and academia to contribute to the formulation of this strategy. Held as a closed-door roundtable discussion, the event provided a platform for participants to offer valuable feedback and recommendations. The discussions included 30 key officials from the Ministry of Health, relevant government ministries, councils, professional societies, and development partners such as UNDP, UNFPA, and UNICEF, along with INGOs and NGOs working in the health sector. The meeting aimed to ensure that the CCS is informed by diverse insights, aligning with national health priorities and global health goals.
Villa College hosted the second Psychology Symposium and Exhibition on October 10, 2023, in conjunction with World Mental Health Day. The symposium provided a platform for psychology students to showcase their knowledge, skills, and competencies, highlighting their academic journey at Villa College. Notable presentations included the 'Code of Ethics Framework for Maldives Counselors and Psychology Professionals,' as well as discussions on key mental health issues such as abuse, religiosity, and relationships, along with a debate on prejudice, discrimination, and stereotyping. This event underscored Villa College's commitment to addressing critical mental health challenges and fostering the development of skilled professionals in the field. Villa College’s collaboration with government agencies and regional NGOs in hosting this symposium contributed to the development of national SDG policies, specifically SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), by facilitating discussions on mental health policy, strategies, and ethical frameworks, thereby strengthening its role in advancing national and regional SDG goals.
This collaborative approach reflects the college’s commitment to advancing national and regional SDG policy, working towards a shared vision for a sustainable future.