The Maldives National University (MNU) hosted the Security Roundtable 2026 on 23 August 2026, bringing together key national security and law enforcement institutions to discuss contemporary security challenges and strategic issues of national importance.
The Security Roundtable 2026 was inaugurated by MNU Vice Chancellor Dr. Aishath Shehenaz Adam and was co-organised by the School of Security and Strategic Studies of MNU and the National College of Policing and Law Enforcement of the Maldives Police Service.
Delivering her opening remarks, Vice Chancellor Dr. Aishath Shehenaz Adam highlighted the important role of the School of Security and Strategic Studies in advancing security research and strengthening academic programmes in security and strategic studies. She emphasised the School’s contribution to creating opportunities for evidence-based policy engagement, professional development and regional collaboration.
Dr. Shehenaz also underscored the significance of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between MNU and the Maldives Police Service, noting that the partnership provides a framework for joint initiatives, including the Security Roundtable. She further highlighted the placement of Maldives Police Service Research Fellows within MNU’s security studies programmes as an important avenue for strengthening collaboration between academic and professional institutions.
The roundtable brought together representatives from key national security, law enforcement and related institutions, including the Maldives Police Service, Maldives Customs Service, Maldives Immigration, Maldives Correctional Service, National Drug Agency, and the Faculty of Arts of MNU.
The seminar provided a platform for participants to exchange knowledge, share professional perspectives and explore opportunities for greater institutional collaboration in addressing emerging security challenges. The discussions also reinforced the importance of strengthening cooperation between academia and national institutions to support informed policy development and enhance the Maldives’ capacity to respond to evolving security and strategic concerns.
Through initiatives such as the Security Roundtable, MNU continues to strengthen its role in fostering research, knowledge exchange and professional development in areas of national and regional significance.
The Security Roundtable 2026 reflects MNU’s commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals through education, research and institutional collaboration. By promoting quality education and professional development in security and strategic studies, the initiative contributes to SDG 4: Quality Education; by strengthening dialogue, institutional capacity and cooperation among national security and law enforcement agencies, it supports SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions; and through the partnership between MNU, the Maldives Police Service and other national institutions, it advances SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Through such collaborative platforms, MNU continues to strengthen the connection between academia and national institutions, contributing to informed policymaking, stronger institutions and sustainable national development.
