“The National High Level Dialogue on Promoting Peace and Security” forum has officially commenced today.

The President gave an address at the inaugural event of this forum held today at Hotel Jen, organized by the National Counter Terrorism Centre. Vice President Faisal Naseem, several members of the Cabinet and officials of various government institutions also took part in today's inaugural event. The  event was also attended by the UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative to the Maldives, Ms. Shoko Noda. As such, Ms. Shoko Noda highlighted the importance of such an event, in her speech at the forum today.

The UN Resident Coordinator reiterated that although Maldives is popular for its natural beauty and peace, the peace is slowly waning. Additionally, she said that the cause of this may be that there is a lack of various opportunities available in different fields within this country. She added that it is because of this lack of opportunity that people tend to be isolated from society. The UN Resident Coordinator further said that this loneliness and isolation is what eventually inclines these people towards extremism.