National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Maldives National University (MNU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in areas of disaster risk reduction, preparedness, and response.
The MoU was signed by Chief Executive of NDMA Hisan Hassan and Vice Chancellor of MNU Mohamed Shareef. As per the MoU, NDMA and MNU agreed to conduct research in areas of interest, seek capacity-building opportunities and provide technical expertise to both organisations.
NDMA stated the two-year MOU will increase awareness among MNU students regarding disaster management and contribute to the growing need of conducting disaster-relevant research. The MoU was signed on the occasion of Unity Day as a token of unity among stakeholders.
Under the MoU, NDMA and MNU will collaborate on holding and participating in national and international level training programmes, seminars, workshops, and conferences. They will also help students of MNU to submit their research on disaster management to the relevant authorities and increase public awareness of disaster management.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Chief Executive Hassan said that the MoU will allow NDMA and MNU to collaborate and provide assistance in accordance with their capabilities in areas of disaster risk management. He highlighted the importance of the research conducted by the university faculty and expressed confidence that the agreement will pave the way to build a scientific community in the Maldives.
Also at the ceremony, Vice Chancellor Shareef said a special disaster management course will begin next semester and that it has been submitted to the Maldives Qualification Authority (MQA) for approval. He also said the course was prepared with the assistance of experts from universities, European countries, and countries that have dealt with major natural disasters such as tsunamis.