President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has been awarded an honorary doctorate in Political Science and International Relations by the International Islamic University Islamabad, in recognition of his contributions to public service, national development and institutional advancement in the Maldives.
The honorary degree was conferred during a special ceremony presided over by Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif. Professor Dr Saad Al Ahmed, Director of the university, formally presented the honorary doctorate to President Muizzu on behalf of the institution.
The recognition highlights President Muizzu’s leadership and public service, as well as his efforts to strengthen national institutions and advance the Maldives’ development priorities. It also reflects the close and longstanding relationship between the Maldives and Pakistan, with both countries continuing to maintain strong ties based on mutual respect and cooperation.
Addressing the ceremony after receiving the honour, President Muizzu said the value and standing of a nation should never be determined by its geographical size. He emphasised that although the Maldives is a small island nation, its size does not define its importance, dignity or ability to contribute meaningfully to the international community.
President Muizzu recalled receiving his PhD in civil engineering 17 years ago, noting that receiving an honorary doctorate in Political Science and International Relations was an honour beyond what he had imagined at the time. He said the recognition was a source of immense pride and carried a deeper significance because of the responsibilities entrusted to him as President of the Maldives.
He dedicated the honour to the Maldivian people, describing the recognition as one that represented not only his personal journey but also the aspirations, resilience and progress of the nation. The President said it further symbolised the enduring friendship between the Maldives and Pakistan and the commitment of both countries to strengthening cooperation in areas of shared interest.
Reflecting on the wider responsibilities of leadership, President Muizzu noted that the world was experiencing unprecedented advances in science and technology while continuing to confront wars, injustice and human suffering. He stressed the importance of responsible leadership and the duty to speak against injustice while working towards a more peaceful and equitable world.
The President also highlighted the importance of advancing faith and knowledge together, saying academic achievement should ultimately contribute to the betterment of humanity. He said these principles remained deeply valued by the Maldives as the country continued to pursue development while preserving its national identity, values and commitment to social responsibility.
President Muizzu further emphasised that integrity and dignity could not be measured by economic strength, military power or the size of a country. Every nation, he said, deserved respect, while every citizen should be treated with dignity and honour. He also expressed the hope that each generation would be given the opportunity to build and leave behind a more peaceful, just and prosperous world.
Concluding his remarks, President Muizzu reaffirmed the Maldives’ commitment to honouring its agreements and strengthening cooperation with Pakistan. He expressed confidence that the relationship between the two countries would continue to grow through shared commitments to knowledge, faith, service and mutual development.
President Muizzu accepted the honorary doctorate with profound gratitude, describing the recognition as both an honour and a responsibility. The award adds another significant international recognition to his public service career and reflects the growing visibility of the Maldives and its leadership on the global stage.
advertisment
advertisment
