Minister of Cities, Local Government, and Public Works, Adam Shareef Umar has announced that the Happiness Index will serve as a framework for guiding island affairs according to the preferences of the residents. He made the remarks during the opening ceremony of a workshop on the Happiness Index, which was jointly organised by the ministry and the Islamic University of Maldives (IUM).
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Adam Shareef emphasised that while many individuals equate money with fulfilment, it cannot buy true satisfaction or happiness. He also noted that the public has varied desires, with some seeking tangible or structural development and others preferring a simpler lifestyle.
Additionally, Minister Adam Shareef highlighted that although different islands in the Maldives face unique challenges, the standard of happiness should be evaluated using methods similar to those employed by the United Nations (UN) and other countries. He underscored the importance of this endeavour for the Maldives, hoping that the Happiness Index will establish a baseline for measuring the contentment of residents across the nation and foster future development.
Meanwhile, Vice Chancellor of IUM Dr. Ali Zahir pointed out that the Maldives is seen as a desirable destination because it is perceived as a happy place. He noted that the country has long been known for its collective happiness and unity. He expressed optimism that developing a Happiness Index would yield long-term benefits and contribute to true development and progress by ensuring the well-being of its residents.
The workshop on the Happiness Index was led by Dean of the Centre for Research and Publication at IUM Dr. Aminath Shafiya Adam. The initial session was tailored for employees of the Ministry of Cities, with plans to extend similar workshops to various institutions in the future.