Sustainability at MNU
Shaping a Sustainable Maldives

Through knowledge, action, inclusion and partnership, MNU contributes to healthier communities, resilient islands, empowered people and a sustainable future for the Maldives.

The Maldives National University > Sustainability 2025
Our Commitment

Sustainability is everyone's responsibility.

As the national university, MNU has a unique responsibility to contribute to sustainable development through teaching, research, university operations, governance and engagement with society.

Our Work Towards Sustainability

” At MNU, sustainability is more than a goal. It reflects who we are and what we stand for. It is our unwavering commitment to climate action, quality education, health and well-being, cultural preservation, and empowerment for all. This commitment is firmly rooted in our Strategic Plan and guided by our Mission, Vision, and Philosophy”

 

Aishath Shehenaz Adam

Vice Chancellor

Sustainability Report 2025 Launching

MNU Sustainability Report 2025 launched by Vice-Chancellor Dr. Shehenaz Adam, together with members of the University Senate, Deans and Heads of the University. The report was formally endorsed by the University Senate, reflecting MNU’s institutional commitment to embedding sustainability across its academic, research, operational and community engagement activities.

Time Higher Education Sustainability Impact Network connects universities from around the world to promote and advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It serves as the foundation for the new THE Sustainability Impact Ratings providing a platform for universities to measure, benchmark, and share best practices in their contributions to sustainability, fostering collaboration, and enhancing their global impact.

MNU is a member of this network since 2025 and stands to access a global network of HEIs working towards sustainability across the world. In doing so MNU through this network can gauge its sustainability initiatives with global metrics on SDGs.

 

Our Global Commitment

MNU and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals

     

Eight ways MNU creates impact

From commitment to impact

As the national university, MNU has a unique responsibility to contribute to sustainable development through teaching, research, university operations, governance and engagement with society.

Fahi Sihhath

Health and well-being for all

Through the MNU Fahi Sihhath Campaign, MNU promotes healthier lives and well-being across the Maldives. By bringing together University expertise, students, staff and partners through community health screenings, health fairs, awareness activities and outreach, MNU supports informed health choices and contributes to healthier, more resilient communities.

MNU for all

Learning Without Barriers

Through MNU for ALL, MNU works to make quality higher education and lifelong learning accessible and inclusive. Through campuses, outreach centres, flexible learning opportunities and student support, the University reduces barriers to participation and creates opportunities for people from different backgrounds and communities to learn, participate and succeed.

Women Leading Change

Empowered Women, Stronger Communities

MNU is committed to creating opportunities for women to learn, lead and succeed. Through equitable access to education, support for participation and advancement, leadership opportunities, research and community engagement, the University empowers women to develop their potential, contribute to decision-making and leadership, and help build stronger communities.

MNU Beyond borders

Connecting Knowledge, Building Partnerships, Creating Impact

Through MNU Beyond Borders, MNU builds partnerships with universities, governments, industry, communities and organisations locally and internationally. Through academic and research collaboration, knowledge exchange, mobility and joint initiatives, the University connects local expertise with wider networks, expands opportunities for learning and innovation, and contributes to shared solutions for a sustainable future.

Stronger together

Shared Voices, Shared Decisions

MNU promotes participation, transparency and informed decision-making through its committee-based governance system, with students and staff represented across key University bodies. Through participation in University and national committees, research, expertise, policy engagement and open dialogue, MNU supports inclusive participation, evidence-informed decision-making and stronger institutions.

People growth and connections

Skilled People, Stronger Industry, Sustainable Growth

MNU connects education with the world of work, equipping students with the knowledge, skills and experience needed for a changing economy. Through industry partnerships, internships, professional development, entrepreneurship and lifelong learning, the University strengthens workforce capabilities, supports decent work and contributes to inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Tomorrow starts today

Act today sustain tomorrow

MNU contributes to climate action, ocean conservation and the sustainable use of marine and coastal resources through research, education and community engagement. Working with students, staff, communities, partners and policymakers, the University turns knowledge into action, strengthens resilience and promotes responsible stewardship of our islands, oceans and natural environment.

Our Identity, Our Heritage

Preserve Today, Inspire Tomorrow

MNU is committed to preserving and promoting our rich Maldivian culture, heritage, language and traditions through education, research and innovation. By nurturing pride in our heritage today, we strengthen our identity and inspire future generations to carry it forward.

Our Impact

Sustainability by the numbers

0
SDGs
0+
Research Projects
0+
Community Initiatives

Sustainability Literacy for Everyone – Free Online Course

The Maldives National University (MNU) is promoting SDG 4: Quality Education through Sustainability Literacy for Everyone, a free, self-paced online course open to everyone, with no prior knowledge or academic qualifications required. Anyone, regardless of age, background or location, can enrol, access the learning materials and complete the course at their own pace.

The initiative promotes inclusive education, equality of access to learning opportunities and lifelong learning by making sustainability education freely accessible to the public. Through practical, locally relevant learning, participants explore sustainability, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and actions that contribute to a sustainable future. Upon successful completion of the course and its assessment requirements, learners receive an MNU digital badge recognising their achievement.

Sustainability Starts with You, Learn & Act
Enrol Free!
 
 

Our SDGs in Action

Discover how MNU brings sustainable development to life through learning, research, innovation and community engagement.

Explore some of the initiatives through which MNU turns knowledge into action, creates opportunities and contributes to stronger, healthier and more sustainable communities across the Maldives.

Protecting Our Ocean Future

Research, Conservation and Coastal Resilience

Through marine research, environmental education and community engagement, MNU contributes to protecting the Maldives’ marine and coastal ecosystems. By advancing scientific knowledge, encouraging responsible stewardship and working with communities and partners, the University supports ocean conservation, climate resilience and sustainable management of marine resources.

MNU Mahasama (MNU Learning Festival)

Bringing Learning Closer to Communities

MNU Mahasama celebrates learning beyond the classroom by bringing together students, educators, families and communities through interactive activities and educational experiences. The festival encourages curiosity, creativity and lifelong learning while promoting wider access to knowledge and opportunities for people of different ages and backgrounds.

MNU Marathon

Moving Together for Health and Well-being

The MNU Marathon brings together students, staff and the wider community to promote physical activity, healthy lifestyles and well-being. Beyond sport, the event encourages community participation, strengthens social connections and inspires individuals to make physical activity part of their everyday lives.

Future Ready Series

Preparing Learners for Tomorrow's Opportunities

Through the Future Ready Series, MNU supports students and prospective learners in making informed educational and career choices. By connecting academic pathways with skills development, career guidance and emerging opportunities, the initiative helps individuals prepare for further education, employment and lifelong professional growth.

ANTHARA – Teaching and Learning Good Practices

Sharing Good Practices, Inspiring Better Learning

ANTHARA provides a platform for MNU academics to share innovative teaching approaches, research-informed practices and experiences that enhance student learning. By encouraging reflection, professional dialogue and the exchange of good practices, the initiative supports continuous improvement in teaching and learning across the University.

THEVELI – International Research Conference

Connecting Research, Knowledge and Sustainable Development

THEVELI, MNU’s flagship international research conference, brings together researchers, academics and professionals to share discoveries, exchange ideas and explore solutions to national and global challenges. Through interdisciplinary research and international collaboration, THEVELI advances knowledge, strengthens research capacity and supports sustainable development across multiple SDGs.

MNU Community Outreach

Connecting University Knowledge with Community Needs

Through community outreach initiatives across the Maldives, MNU connects academic expertise, student learning and research with local needs. Working alongside island communities and partners, the University shares knowledge, builds skills and supports locally relevant solutions, extending the benefits of higher education beyond its campuses.

SULITEST – Sustainability Literacy

Empowering Learners to Build a Sustainable Future

Through SULITEST, MNU promotes sustainability literacy by encouraging students and staff to deepen their understanding of global sustainability challenges and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The initiative supports critical thinking, responsible decision-making and greater awareness of how individual and collective actions can contribute to a more sustainable future. By strengthening sustainability knowledge, MNU aims to inspire its university community to turn awareness into meaningful action.

Policies & Reports

Our commitments. Our progress.

MNU Sustainability Policy

Core institutional policy framework.

Sustainability Action Plan

Priority actions, targets and responsibilities.

Sustainability SDG Report

Annual evidence and progress reporting.

Sustainable Procurement

Responsible purchasing and resource use.

Sustainable Investment

Responsible financial stewardship.

MNU Strategic Plan

Strategic alignment for sustainability.