The Maldives National University (MNU), in collaboration with Riphah International University, co-hosted Hybrid boutique International Conference on Medical Education (ICME 2026) in the Maldives, bringing together educators, researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers and international participants to explore innovations and emerging priorities in Health Professions Education (HPE).

The conference was inaugurated in the presence of the Chief Guest, Her Excellency Geela Ali, Minister of Health, Family and Welfare. His Excellency Vice Admiral (R) Faisal Rasul Lodhi, High Commissioner of Pakistan to the Maldives, also attended the ceremony, highlighting the importance of fostering academic collaboration and strengthening educational ties between the Maldives and Pakistan. The event provided an international platform for academic exchange, professional collaboration and discussions on strengthening medical and health sciences education to meet the evolving needs of healthcare systems.

The conference, held under the theme “Shaping the Future of Health Professions Education: Innovation, Leadership and Excellence,” focused on preparing healthcare professionals to respond to the changing demands of healthcare through innovative teaching approaches, emerging technologies, effective leadership and improved educational practices.

Addressing the gathering, the Vice-Chancellor of MNU highlighted the importance of preparing healthcare professionals who combine scientific knowledge and clinical competence with an understanding of patients’ social and cultural circumstances. Emphasising the importance of a holistic approach to medical education, the Vice-Chancellor stated, “A good healthcare professional must understand both the science of medicine and the society in which that medicine is practised.” The remarks highlighted the importance of equipping future healthcare professionals to understand the diverse needs of communities across the Maldives and deliver compassionate, patient-centred care.

The conference programme addresses key areas of health professions education, including curriculum development, teaching and learning, assessment and evaluation, technology-enhanced learning and artificial intelligence, faculty development, leadership, educational scholarship and professionalism. Through discussions, workshops, symposia and scholarly presentations, participants have opportunities to exchange knowledge, share best practices and explore approaches to improving the quality of healthcare education.

The collaboration between MNU and Riphah International University reflects a shared commitment to strengthening academic partnerships, advancing research and scholarship, and creating opportunities for knowledge exchange between institutions. The conference also provides a platform for fostering regional and international cooperation in medical and health sciences education. Through knowledge exchange, research and professional development, the conference supports the preparation of competent and compassionate healthcare professionals, encourages the responsible use of emerging technologies, and promotes collaborative approaches to addressing healthcare challenges and improving community well-being.

Through initiatives such as ICME 2026, MNU continues to strengthen educational collaboration, encourage innovation in teaching and learning, and promote the development of healthcare professionals who are knowledgeable, clinically competent and compassionate.

MNU extends its sincere appreciation to JAM Web Services for sponsoring Hybrid Boutique ICME 2026.