Participating in the 5th World Shiology Forum in China was an enriching experience that connected CFOS with researchers and experts from across the globe. The Dean took part in the panel discussions on multidimensional solutions for food supply chains. The discussions on sustainable fisheries management and the application of science-based approaches resonated deeply with the work at the Maldives National University.

The forum, held in Hainan from 28 to 31 October 2025, brought together over 300 experts, scholars, and representatives from 115 countries under the theme “A Holistic Approach to Addressing Food System Challenges through Shiology”. Shiology, an emerging interdisciplinary framework pioneered by Chinese scholars, views food as the nexus of health, culture, ecology, and social well-being, offering a systematic approach to global food system challenges.

The forum provided a platform to share insights from the Maldivian pole-and-line tuna fishery while learning from international best practices, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in addressing global challenges. The Dean’s contributions highlighted how the Maldives’ traditional, low-impact fishing methods align with global calls for sustainable food production, and how science-based management can safeguard both marine ecosystems and the livelihoods that depend on them. The exchange of knowledge at the forum underscored that island nations and larger economies share common ground in the pursuit of resilient, equitable food systems, and that partnerships across borders are essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.