The Maldives National University (MNU), through its School of Security and Strategic Studies (SSSS), hosted a panel discussion titled “Building a Peaceful, Stable and Prosperous Indo-Pacific”, bringing together international experts, high commissioners, senior government officials, academics, and research students to explore strategic engagement, regional security, and the rules-based order.

The event was organised by the School of Security and Strategic Studies (SSSS) of MNU and featured a keynote address by Honorable Lisa Singh, Chief Executive Officer of the Australia India Institute at the University of Melbourne and a former Australian Senator.

In her keynote address, Hon. Lisa Singh focused on the concept of “Three Corners, One Ocean,” highlighting the strategic trilateral importance linking Australia, India, and the Maldives. She noted that traditional military definitions of security are no longer adequate to address the multi-faceted challenges facing big ocean and small island states—ranging from the transboundary threats of climate change and energy instability to illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and maritime security. She further underscored the value of institutional platforms like the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), the Quad, the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), and the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) in safeguarding regional stability.

The opening and welcome remarks were delivered by Dr. Raheema Abdul Raheem, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Enterprise, who emphasized the critical importance of collaborative regional frameworks, institutional resilience, and small-state agency in navigating contemporary geopolitical realities.

Following the keynote, a high-level panel discussion was moderated by Dr. Athaulla Rasheed, Dean of the SSSS. The session featured insights from distinguished panelists, including:

H.E. Mr. G. Balasubramanian, High Commissioner of India to the Maldives

H.E. Mr. David Jessup, High Commissioner of Australia to the Maldives

H.E. Dr. Hala, Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The robust exchange provided a platform for dialogue on maritime domain awareness, practical Defence cooperation—such as Australia’s recent provision of a Guardian-class vessel backed by Indian maintenance support—and the strengthening of institutional partnerships across the Indian Ocean region.

The event drew broad participation from key national stakeholders, including the National Security Advisor, alongside representatives from the Ministry of Economic Development, Transport and Trade, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), Maldives Police Service, Maldives Customs Service, and the Office of the National Security Advisor, alongside MNU deans, faculty, and research students.

The discussion supports peace, justice and strong institutions by promoting dialogue, regional cooperation, and rules-based governance. It also contributes to partnerships for the goals through strengthened collaboration among countries, international organizations, and academic institutions. By addressing maritime security, climate change, energy stability, and sustainable ocean management, the discussion further highlights the interconnected importance of climate action, life below water, and affordable and clean energy in building a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

Through initiatives of this scale, MNU continues to solidify its reputation as a leading regional hub for intellectual discourse, strategic research, and policy engagement on issues vital to the security and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific.”