The Mulak School in the central region of Maldives, recently concluded its “Student Leaders’ Conference 2024” with the theme “Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders: The Role of Education in the Future of Work.” This groundbreaking event, the first of its kind in the region and possibly in the Maldives, aimed to empower student leaders with the skills necessary to thrive in the 21st century.
Held from February 1st to 2nd, 2024, the conference drew over 110 participants, including 66 student leaders, 20 teachers, 7 VIPs, and 19 delegates, with an additional 20 junior student leaders attending as listeners. Esteemed professionals from various fields such as Leadership, Education, Finance, and Excellence were invited to share their insights with the audience.
The Conference speakers included the Chief Volunteer of Villijoali and Former State Minister, Mr. Mohamed Shihab, Human Resources, Learning & Development Specialist, Mr. Zakariyya Easa, Guest Speaker and Legal Advisor, Uz. Abdulla Haseen, and Chartered Accountant and Risk Professional, Mr. Mohamed Maadhin Latheef.
Distinguished VIP attendees comprised high-level decision-makers from the atoll and island community, such as School Principals, Presidents of Atoll and Island Councils, Regional Police Heads, and senior members of Island Health Centers, School Board, and School PTA.
Mr. Mohamed Shihab delivered the keynote address at the conference opening, emphasizing the importance of fostering a culture that cherishes love, care, and discipline, while also highlighting the significance of grooming future leaders.
During the conference, the following topics were delivered by the speakers:
- “Understanding Who you are, and Who you wish to be”,
- “Introduction of Leaderships – Focused “Thought Leadership”,
- “Path to Financial Freedom – for tomorrow’s leaders”,
- “Importance of well-equipped students for building better society – Role of Stakeholders”,
- “The Skills need to thrive in 21st Century Workplaces”,
- “Bonding Relationships”.
The conference also featured a panel discussion moderated by the Keynote Speaker, Mr. Mohamed Shihab. This session focused on a key agenda item: outlining action plans to transform Mulak into an educational hub within the region and attract students from neighboring schools for enhanced educational opportunities.
Panelists included the Principal of Mulak School Mr. Thoha Mohamed, Guest Speaker Uz. Abdulla Haseen, Honorary School Captain Ms. Aishath Shiya Hussain; Atoll Police Commander Inspector Nisham Ahmed; President of Mulak Council, Mr. Ahmed Jamal; and the Administrator of Mulak Health Center, Mr. Ishag Ali.
The conference closing ceremony was held on the night of February 2nd, 2024, followed by a Gala Dinner. At the closing, conference participants were presented with certificates by both the Keynote Speaker and Guest Speakers of the event.
The gala dinner featured a wide variety of culinary tastes, including classic dishes of the island. It also served as an excellent networking opportunity, allowing participants to gather with community stakeholders, speakers, and high-level decision-makers of the island and region.
The inaugural edition of the Student Leaders’ Conference was warmly embraced by the entire island community and marked an outstanding gathering from various perspectives. As both an organizer and speaker at the conference, I was deeply moved by the heartfelt welcome from the island community.
