President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has called on civil society across all islands to take a proactive role in addressing community-related matters, emphasizing the importance and urgency of their engagement in tackling them.

He made the remarks in his address at the function to present the first Civil Society Awards on Thursday.

First Lady Fazna Ahmed and Vice President Faisal Naseem also attended the function at the Maldives Centre for Social Education (MCSE).

President Solih stressed that the people could fully realise the administration's development and progress in various sectors once the underlying social problems were addressed. He noted the need to address the diverse social issues across different islands and regions of the country through a decentralised approach. He also highlighted the significant role civil society, including non-governmental organisations can play in this effort.

President Solih noted that civil society could contribute to mitigating climate change, environmental conservation and protection and addressing social issues. He added that civil society organisations should focus on addressing social issues and protecting the environment as their core objectives and highlighted the need for the entire society to participate in the administration's efforts to eliminate single-use plastics.

President Solih also presented awards to the recipients of the Civil Society Awards during the ceremony. VP Faisal launched the "Mees Portal," and the First Lady presented award letters to the recipients of the NGO grants.