Minister of Cities, Local Government, and Public Works, Adam Shareef Umar
Minister of Cities, Local Government, and Public Works, Adam Shareef Umar
The Ministry of Cities, Local Government, and Public Works has unveiled plans to develop a Happiness Index aimed at assessing the well-being and quality of life across the Maldivian islands.

Addressing reporters at a news conference today, Minister of Cities, Local Government, and Public Works, Adam Shareef Umar, announced the initiation of a project to establish the Happiness Index of Maldives.

"In line with global trends, Maldives is undergoing significant development, and it is imperative to prioritize the happiness and satisfaction of our people," Minister Umar stated. "Understanding the expectations and circumstances of individuals residing on each island is crucial for fostering a harmonious and prosperous society."

The Happiness Index project seeks to gauge the happiness levels and quality of life of residents through extensive consultations with stakeholders and active public participation. Minister Umar emphasized the importance of engaging the community in defining the criteria for the index to ensure its relevance and effectiveness.

"As part of this initiative, special recognition will be awarded to communities that demonstrate exceptional results in the Happiness Index," Minister Umar added.

Furthermore, Minister Umar clarified that the government's policy is not to unilaterally determine the criteria for the index. Instead, criteria will be identified through the active participation of the people, ensuring that it reflects the unique characteristics and priorities of Maldivian society.

Drawing inspiration from other countries, where the Happiness Index is determined by various factors such as crime rates, sustainable development efforts, cleanliness, social cohesion, education, and healthcare, Minister Umar affirmed that similar considerations would be taken into account. However, he stressed that the criteria will be formulated collaboratively with the input of the people.

The Ministry aims to finalize the Happiness Index within the current year and roll out its implementation in the following year. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to promoting the overall well-being and happiness of its citizens and fostering inclusive and sustainable development across the Maldives.