President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has said that the government aims to empower and develop responsible youth.

President Solih made the remarks at the ceremony held at Huravee School, Hulhumale', today to inaugurate the 'MDP Youth Congress 2019'. Speaking at the ceremony, the President said that the Maldivian Democratic Party - MDP is led by youth, as the party understands the needs of the youth, providing them with opportunities and empowering them. He said that it is substantiation that the party gives precedence to empowering youth.

The President highlighted that unemployment is a growing issue amongst youth, who constitutes a large percentage of the population. President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said 'In this regard, the percentage of women who can’t access the job market is considerably higher than that of men. We have to fix this. Youth need to seek employment. Moreover, employers need to make flexible adjustments to encourage women to join the workforce'.

Speaking on the issue of housing, President Solih emphasized that a lack of adequate housing is a major issue faced by youth and also a root cause of some being driven to a life of crime. President Solih said that these issues cannot be solved through prison time but rather through a rehabilitative process, adding that prisons and detention centres need to incorporate rehabilitative measures to tackle the root causes behind the problems.

In conclusion, the President advised the youth to adhere to the good values of our democracy, remain steadfast in expressing truth and promoting justice and equality amongst us.