The Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Shariah and Law at The Maldives National University (MNU) jointly conducted an Ilmee Foavahi session titled “Dhivehiraajjeyge Shar’ee Nizaamuge Minivankan”, focusing on the independence of the judicial system in the Maldives. The session provided a platform for academic and professional discussion on the importance of judicial independence within the country’s legal and governance framework.

The session brought together university academics and an expert stakeholder for a panel discussion examining the role of an independent judiciary in upholding the rule of law, ensuring institutional accountability, and supporting the administration of justice. The discussion provided an opportunity to consider the principles underpinning judicial independence and its significance within the Maldivian context.

By bringing academic and professional perspectives together, the session encouraged critical inquiry and informed dialogue on issues of national significance. Participants had an opportunity to engage with legal and governance concepts, consider different perspectives, and deepen their understanding of the relationship between judicial independence, justice, and institutional responsibility.

The joint initiative also strengthened interdisciplinary engagement between the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Shariah and Law. By connecting perspectives from social sciences, law, and governance, the session demonstrated the value of collaborative academic activities in examining complex issues that affect society and public institutions.

The Ilmee Foavahi session highlighted the role of universities in facilitating knowledge-sharing and informed discussion on legal and governance issues. Such academic engagement supports students’ and participants’ understanding of institutional frameworks and encourages continued learning about the principles that underpin justice and the rule of law.

The initiative contributed to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by facilitating academic discussion and supporting learning beyond the classroom; SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) by promoting understanding of judicial independence, the rule of law, and institutional accountability; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through collaboration between MNU’s Faculty of Arts and Faculty of Shariah and Law, alongside engagement with an expert stakeholder.