MNU SDG Cross-Sectoral Dialogue and Conferences

The Maldives National University (MNU) actively fosters cross-sectoral dialogue and collaboration on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its flagship conferences and symposiums, bringing together government agencies, NGOs, international partners, academia, and industry leaders. These platforms facilitate the exchange of knowledge, research findings, and innovative solutions that contribute to sustainable national and global development.

Among the most prominent events is the Theveli Conference, MNU’s multidisciplinary research conference that supports all SDGs by providing an inclusive platform for dialogue across diverse fields such as health, education, environment, governance, tourism, and technology. The Theveli Conference is a space where policymakers, researchers, development partners, and community stakeholders engage in discussions on evidence-based approaches to address local and regional challenges, reinforcing MNU’s role in connecting research to practice and policy.

The International Conference on Innovations in Engineering, Science and Technology for Sustainable Development (ICEST) further reflects MNU’s commitment to sustainability. This conference focuses on engineering and technological innovations that advance sustainable practices and solutions, aligning with national priorities and several SDGs, including affordable clean energy, sustainable industry, and resilient infrastructure.

Additionally, the EduTech Symposium emphasizes sustainable educational technology, promoting the integration of digital transformation and green practices in the education sector to achieve quality education and innovation-driven learning environments. Complementing these efforts, MNU’s Medical Conference supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by fostering collaboration among health professionals, researchers, and policymakers to improve public health outcomes and strengthen healthcare systems.

Theveli International Conference

PROMISE

ESCAP Risk and Resilience portal

ICECCME 2024

Lakshadweep Zero-Waste Alliance

UN4DRR project

CHILDRN project

EduTech Symposium

Nitrogen Hub Project

Maldives Medico-Legal Conference

Digit Asia Project

The Clean and Healthy Oceans: Sustainable Nitrogen for the Maldives

Model SAARC Summit 2024

The Model SAARC Summit 2024 held at the Maldives National University, organized in collaboration with all SAARC diplomatic missions in the Maldives, reinforces the university’s role in regional SDG policy development by creating a practical platform to identify shared South Asian challenges including climate vulnerabilities, socioeconomic disparities, public health gaps, and governance issues, and translate them into evidence-based policy recommendations.

Through research-driven debates and negotiation simulations supported by diplomatic partners, the summit strengthens MNU’s capacity to contribute to sustainable development policy making, enhances youth leadership in regional diplomacy, and deepens cooperative engagement aligned with the SDGs.

International Peace Day 2024

The International Peace Day 2024 panel discussion on fostering a cohesive and peaceful digital sphere, held in collaboration with UN Maldives, supports cross-sectoral SDG dialogue by bringing together experts, policymakers, youth, and civil society to examine how digital spaces impact peace building, inclusion, and sustainable development.

By addressing issues such as online safety, digital literacy, misinformation, and equitable access, the event connects directly to SDGs on peace and strong institutions (SDG 16), quality education (SDG 4), reduced inequalities (SDG 10), and global partnerships (SDG 17). This collaborative platform encourages integrated, multi-stakeholder solutions that strengthen both digital harmony and broader SDG progress in the Maldives and the region.

South Asia Political and Strategic Policy Dialogue

The South Asia Political and Strategic Policy Dialogue, delivered by the Lowy Institute (Australia) and facilitated by Senior Research Fellow Richard McGregor in collaboration with the Australian High Commission in the Maldives, aligns closely with the cross-sectoral cooperation emphasized in SDG 17. The event provides a platform for regional experts, diplomats, and policymakers to exchange insights on governance, security, economic cooperation, and strategic stability in South Asia. By fostering multi-stakeholder engagement across governments, academia, and international institutions, it promotes evidence-based regional policymaking, strengthens partnerships, and enhances collaborative efforts toward sustainable development, reinforcing the Maldives’ role in advancing meaningful regional and global cooperation for the SDGs.

MNU Ocean Governance Symposium

The MNU Ocean Governance Symposium, funded in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan, aligns with the cross-sectoral collaboration emphasized in SDG 17 by bringing together government officials, academics, industry experts, and civil society to discuss sustainable ocean management, marine conservation, and blue economy strategies. The symposium fosters multi-stakeholder dialogue across sectors, enabling knowledge exchange, joint research initiatives, and policy recommendations that strengthen partnerships for sustainable development. By integrating scientific, economic, and governance perspectives, the event reinforces collaborative approaches to achieving SDGs related to life below water (SDG 14), climate action (SDG 13), and inclusive, cooperative regional development.