In a direct contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), Maldives National University (MNU) has delivered a public education initiative on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles for local tourism. The session, held on 5 November 2026, demonstrates the university’s commitment to quality education (SDG 4) and partnerships for the goals (SDG 17) by equipping the community with the knowledge to strengthen the sustainability and resilience of the guesthouse sector.

The Ilmee Foavahi (“knowledge sharing”) session was organized by the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies and the MNU Business School, and it was open to the public, MNU staff, and students, with 92 participants engaging in the programme. The initiative specifically addressed the sustainability challenges and opportunities within the Maldives expanding guesthouse tourism sector, providing participants with a practical framework for responsible consumption and production (SDG 12) and climate action (SDG 13) at the local level.

The session began by contextualizing the role of the guesthouse sector in Maldivian tourism. Unlike the traditional resort model, guesthouse tourism allows visitors to stay on inhabited islands, experience Maldivian culture, and engage directly with local communities. This shift has created opportunities for local entrepreneurship, employment, and community participation, directly supporting SDG 8.

However, MNU’s programme also highlighted the critical sustainability concerns arising from this expansion. These include pressure on local waste management systems, freshwater resources, coastal environments, and marine ecosystems. The session also addressed challenges relating to employment quality, equitable distribution of tourism benefits, business competitiveness, and regulatory compliance, touching on SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

The core of the session focused on how ESG factors provide a framework for addressing these challenges while strengthening the long-term resilience of guesthouse businesses and destinations. Participants explored environmental considerations, focusing on resource efficiency, waste reduction, marine conservation, and climate adaptation (SDG 12, SDG 13, SDG 14). Social considerations addressing community participation, decent employment, cultural preservation, and inclusive economic opportunities (SDG 8, SDG 10, SDG 11) were explored. Further, governance considerations such as focusing on regulatory compliance, business transparency, accountability, and collaboration among government institutions, guesthouse operators, and island communities (SDG 16, SDG 17) were also covered.

This holistic approach ensures that local tourism development is not only economically viable but also socially and environmentally sustainable, embodying the principle of “no one left behind” (SDG 10).

Participants reported that the session was valuable and impactful, enhancing their knowledge in the area. This feedback underscores MNU’s role as a strong institution (SDG 16) committed to lifelong learning (SDG 4) and community engagement.

This initiative reflects MNU’s ongoing commitment to advancing the SDGs through quality education and research (SDG 4) and multi-stakeholder partnerships (SDG 17).