Saudi Arabia Ambassador to the Maldives, His Excellency Yahya bin Hassan Al-Qahtani, has underscored the importance of strengthening youth leadership and empowering young people with the skills required to contribute meaningfully to the Maldives’ long-term national development.
The Ambassador made the remarks during the closing ceremony of the Youth Leadership Training Course held at the Malé Youth Hub from 4 to 6 August 2026. The three-day programme brought together young participants for focused leadership development, with an emphasis on preparing the next generation to assume greater responsibilities within their communities, institutions and the wider national development framework.
The training course was organised by the Scout Association of Maldives in collaboration with Majeedhiyya School’s First Malé Scout Group as part of the Youth Leadership and Membership Growth project. The initiative is supported under World Scouting and the World Scout Foundation’s Messengers of Peace Fund, while the programme in the Maldives received sponsorship from the Government of Saudi Arabia.
A total of 50 young people between the ages of 17 and 25 participated in the programme. The course was designed to strengthen their leadership capabilities and equip them with practical competencies that will support their progression into positions of responsibility and higher-level leadership in the future.
Addressing participants at the closing ceremony, Ambassador Al-Qahtani highlighted the central role of young people in shaping the future of a nation. He noted that sustained investment in youth development, particularly through structured leadership and capacity-building programmes, can generate significant benefits for the Maldives by strengthening the skills, confidence and preparedness of future generations.
The programme introduced participants to several important areas of leadership development, including decision-making at different organisational levels, teamwork, initiative, responsibility and effective leadership practices. These competencies are intended to help young people respond constructively to challenges, work collaboratively with others and take a more active role in their communities and professional environments.
The Youth Leadership Training Course is conducted internationally through Scout organisations across the world, providing young people with opportunities to develop globally recognised leadership skills within the values and principles of the Scout movement. The programme held in Malé marked the first time that this particular leadership course has been conducted in the Maldives, expanding the range of structured youth development opportunities available in the country.
The initiative also reflects the broader importance placed on youth empowerment in the Maldives, where developing capable, skilled and socially responsible young people remains an important component of building a resilient and productive society. Programmes of this nature complement national efforts to create greater opportunities for young Maldivians to develop their potential, strengthen their contribution to society and prepare for leadership responsibilities across different sectors.
Saudi Arabia’s sponsorship of the programme further demonstrates the close and longstanding ties between the Maldives and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, particularly in areas that contribute to human development and community advancement. Support for youth-focused initiatives adds another dimension to the cooperation between the two countries and contributes directly to developing the capabilities of young Maldivians.
The Scout Association of Maldives has indicated that further leadership camps are planned in different parts of the country under the Youth Leadership and Membership Growth project. The expansion of the programme is expected to provide more young people across the Maldives with access to leadership training, supporting wider participation and helping cultivate a new generation of confident and capable leaders.
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