The Maldives National University (MNU) recognises the important role of academic research in promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, advancing justice, strengthening public institutions and supporting evidence-informed decision-making.
As the national university of the Maldives, MNU is committed to generating knowledge that responds to the country’s social, legal, political and institutional challenges. Through research across law, governance, security studies, social sciences, education and other disciplines, the University contributes to a deeper understanding of the issues that shape peace, justice, accountability and sustainable development.
MNU advances research in these areas through academic publications, national research studies, postgraduate research and scholarly conferences. These activities provide opportunities for researchers to examine contemporary challenges, share findings and contribute to informed public discussion.
Research Addressing National Challenges
MNU’s research on peace, justice and strong institutions reflects the particular needs and circumstances of the Maldives as a small island developing state.
Research undertaken by University academics has examined issues such as decentralisation, human trafficking, youth crime, violence against women, institutional trust, public-sector governance, legal protections and national security.
Among the significant research studies and reports identified are:
These studies demonstrate MNU’s engagement with complex societal challenges and the importance of locally grounded research in understanding issues affecting Maldivian communities.
Advancing Research on Governance, Accountability and Public Institutions
MNU researchers contribute to scholarly understanding of institutional effectiveness, democratic governance, public trust, public administration and accountability.
Research in these areas includes:
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Transformational Leadership and Job Performance of Maldives Civil Service Employees, Mediated by Organisational Commitment (2023). See
Dr. Aminath Sudha
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The Effectiveness of Financial Reward on Improving the Job Performance of Public Sector Employees through Organisational Commitment (2025). See
Dr. Aminath Sudha
These publications examine different dimensions of institutional trust, leadership, public-sector performance and organisational effectiveness.
Research on governance and public administration is particularly relevant to the Maldives, where effective institutions and responsive public services are essential to meeting the needs of geographically dispersed communities.
Research on Justice, Human Rights and Social Inclusion
MNU also contributes to research examining legal protections, social inequalities, workplace rights and the experiences of vulnerable groups.
Relevant publications include:
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An Exploratory Study on the Maternity Leave Policy and Normative Discrimination in the Greater Malé Region (2023). See
Dr Aminath Riyaz
These studies contribute to understanding the relationship between legal frameworks, institutional practices, workplace fairness and the protection of individual rights.
MNU recognises that peaceful and inclusive societies depend not only on effective institutions and legal systems, but also on dignity, fairness, equal opportunities and the protection of individuals from violence and discrimination.
Research on National, Maritime and Human Security
As a small island state situated in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives faces distinctive security challenges associated with its geographical location, maritime environment, climate vulnerability and evolving regional geopolitical relationships.
MNU contributes to scholarly discussions on these issues through research examining small-state security, international relations, climate security and foreign policy.
Selected publications include:
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Small States Maritime Security: The Indo-Pacific Strategy for Maldives (2025).
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Small Island Developing States and Climate Securitization in International Politics: Towards a Comprehensive Conception (2023).
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Drivers of the Maldives’ Foreign Policy on India and China (2023).
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Repositioning Internationalisation in a New Geopolitical Era: A Small Island Nation’s Perspective (2026).See
Dr Athaulla A Rasheed
These contributions reflect the importance of examining security and international relations from the perspective of small island developing states.
They also demonstrate how research grounded in the Maldivian context can contribute to wider scholarly discussions on regional security, international cooperation and the challenges facing smaller states.
Published Research in the Maldives National Journal of Research
The Maldives National Journal of Research (MNJR) provides an important platform for disseminating scholarly research relevant to peace, justice, governance and institutional development.
Four articles published during 2025–2026 were identified through the University’s SDG alignment exercise as contributing to SDG 16.
Selected MNJR Publications
1. The Impact of Social Media Communication on Human Perception Creations: Case Study of the 2022 Mass Riot in Sri Lanka
MNJR, Volume 13, Issue 1 | 2025
This study examines the relationship between social media communication and public perceptions in the context of civil unrest, contributing to discussions on communication, social behaviour and societal stability.
2. Environmental Data through De-centralised Collection: An Assessment of Environmental Data Sovereignty in Maldives
MNJR, Volume 13, Issue 1 | 2025
This research addresses environmental data sovereignty in the Maldives, examining issues relevant to information governance, institutional accountability and the management of environmental information.
The research also relates to SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
3. IFRS Adoption in Hungary: Evidence from Individual Financial Statements
MNJR, Volume 13, Special Issue (THEVELI 2025) | 2025
This study examines financial reporting standards and their adoption, contributing to discussions relevant to financial transparency and institutional accountability.
4. LOVE, as a Pathway to Prosocial Behaviour: A Theoretical and Pilot Study Using the LUVORA Framework for Social Cohesion
MNJR, Volume 14, Issue 1 | 2026
This research explores prosocial behaviour and social cohesion, contributing to understanding how positive interpersonal relationships and collective well-being may support peaceful and inclusive communities.
The study also relates to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
Together, these publications reflect the multidisciplinary nature of research contributing to SDG 16, addressing issues ranging from institutional accountability and information governance to communication, social behaviour and community cohesion.
Advancing Research through THEVELI International Conference
MNU further promotes research on peace, justice and strong institutions through THEVELI International Conference, which brings together researchers, academics and practitioners to share knowledge, examine contemporary challenges and engage in scholarly dialogue.
The THEVELI 2024 and 2025 conferences featured research relevant to SDG 16, including constitutional governance, legal reform, access to justice, corruption, cybersecurity, democratic participation, maritime security, international relations and social cohesion.
Across the two conferences, 46 distinct abstracts were identified as relevant to SDG 16 through the University’s SDG alignment exercise.
THEVELI 2024: Legal Reform, Justice and Security
THEVELI 2024 featured research examining legal and institutional challenges in the Maldives and internationally.
Selected research contributions included:
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Evaluating the Efficacy of the Proposed Bills on Cybercrime in Maldives
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An Assessment of Corporate Criminal Liability in Maldives
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Prosecution of Phishing in Maldives
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The Role of Social Media Platforms in Facilitating Criminal Activities in the Maldives
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Indian Ocean Security: The Case of Island State of Maldives
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Challenges in Implementing and Enforcing Maritime Safety Regulations in the Maldives
The conference also featured research on environmental data sovereignty, humanitarian crises, human rights, social conflict and international relations.
These contributions demonstrate scholarly engagement with legal reform, institutional capacity, the rule of law and emerging security challenges.
Supporting evidence: THEVELI 2024 Conference Abstract Booklet.
THEVELI 2025: Democracy, Governance and Social Cohesion
THEVELI 2025 continued this scholarly engagement, with research addressing democratic governance, constitutional development, legal reform, public accountability, access to justice and international relations.
Selected contributions included:
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Legal Reform and The Fight Against Corruption in The Maldives: A Qualitative Analysis
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Development and Democracy Series: Examining the Constitutional Credence of the Maldives State
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Successes and Challenges of Decentralization Process Introduced in the Maldives with the Democratic Constitution
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Voices in Governance: Community Engagement, Indigenous Governance, and Local Public Goods
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Understanding Voluntary Pro Bono Participation Among Legal Professionals: Motivations, Barriers, and the Perspectives of Non-Participating Lawyers
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Geopolitical Tug-of-War: The Maldives in the India-China Strategic Rivalry in the Indian Ocean Region
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LOVE, as a Pathway to Prosocial Behaviour: A Theoretical and Pilot Study Using the LUVORA Framework for Social Cohesion
These studies reflect the importance of research examining democratic participation, institutional accountability, legal protections, social cohesion and the position of the Maldives within the wider international environment.
Supporting evidence: THEVELI 2025 Conference Abstract Booklet.
Encouraging Multidisciplinary and Multilingual Scholarship
An important feature of MNU’s research activities is the inclusion of scholarship from different disciplines, intellectual traditions and linguistic backgrounds.
THEVELI provides opportunities for research to be presented in Dhivehi, English and Arabic, including studies examining Maldivian law, Islamic jurisprudence, governance, history, human rights and international relations.
For the Maldives, promoting research in Dhivehi is particularly important in developing locally grounded scholarship and ensuring that academic inquiry reflects the country’s language, culture and legal traditions.
Through multidisciplinary and multilingual research, MNU encourages a broader understanding of justice, social responsibility and institutional development.
Strengthening Research Capacity and Scholarly Dialogue
MNU continues to strengthen its research capacity through postgraduate education, academic publications, research funding and collaboration.
The University’s expanding doctoral research portfolio, including programmes in Law, Social Sciences, and Maldivian Culture and History, provides further opportunities for advanced research into governance, justice, identity, social development and national institutions.
Through academic journals, research conferences and postgraduate research activities, MNU creates platforms for critical inquiry, constructive dialogue and the exchange of knowledge among researchers, policymakers, practitioners and communities.
These initiatives contribute to strengthening national research capacity and encouraging sustained scholarly engagement with issues relevant to peace, justice and institutional development.
Connecting Research with Policy and Society
MNU recognises that the value of research extends beyond academic publications and conference presentations.
Research can contribute to society by improving understanding of public challenges, informing policy discussions and supporting institutional learning.
Through scholarly publications, research collaborations and engagement with government institutions and communities, MNU seeks to strengthen connections between academic knowledge and the needs of Maldivian society.
Research addressing decentralisation, human trafficking, youth crime, violence against women, governance, cybersecurity and national security provides opportunities for evidence-informed discussion on matters of public importance.
MNU encourages the dissemination of research findings and constructive engagement between academia, policymakers and the wider community, recognising that informed dialogue is an important foundation for strong and responsive institutions.
Contribution to SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
MNU’s research activities contribute to the broader objectives of SDG 16 by advancing knowledge on peaceful and inclusive societies, access to justice, effective institutions, accountability and participatory governance.
Through national research studies, peer-reviewed publications, postgraduate scholarship and international research conferences, the University supports critical examination of issues that shape justice, peace and institutional development in the Maldives and beyond.
MNU believes that strong institutions and peaceful societies are built through knowledge, fairness, accountability, mutual respect and informed dialogue.
By advancing research on peace, justice and governance, MNU seeks to ensure that academic knowledge contributes not only to scholarly development, but also to stronger institutions, informed decisions and a more peaceful, inclusive and resilient Maldives.
