President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has spotlighted the pivotal role of youth in securing the Maldives’ future, urging targeted investments to prepare the nation for an ageing society.
In a message marking World Population Day, the President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering young Maldivians. He outlined key measures—including flexible employment models, affordable housing, improved childcare, and universal access to quality education and healthcare—as essential to fostering resilience and opportunity among youth.
Highlighting reproductive health as a cornerstone of informed life decisions, the President underscored expanded access to counselling and comprehensive healthcare services. These steps, he asserted, are vital to enabling young people to navigate personal and societal pressures more effectively.
Drawing on demographic projections, Dr Muizzu warned that by 2062, individuals aged 65 and above are expected to represent 20 per cent of the population. With current figures showing around 3.3 per cent of Maldivians aged 65 or older, the shift toward an older demographic is accelerating. To confront this, he called for a national population policy tailored to Maldivian realities and capable of addressing long-term socioeconomic challenges.
On his X platform, the President reiterated the need for early action: “As the population ages, we remain laser‑focused on equipping our youth to steer us through future challenges”, he posted, citing United Nations-supported data forecasting a one‑fifth share of seniors by 2062.
Experts agree this focus aligns with global best practices. The UN has identified population ageing as among the most significant trends of the 21st century—one that demands intergenerational policies and sustainable planning. The Maldives’ own demographic reports suggest the share of residents over 65 may rise to 14 per cent by 2050 , underscoring the urgency.
World Population Day, observed annually on July 11, aims to raise awareness of demographic shifts and their links to sustainable development. President Muizzu’s address signals a strategic pivot: by investing in today’s youth, the Maldives may better equip itself to manage the socioeconomic demands of tomorrow’s ageing society.
