LocationsYoung Leaders Gather as Practice Parliament for Youth 2025 Opens
October 5, 2025
Practice Parliament for Youth 2025
The People’s Majlis Secretariat and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Maldives, in partnership with the Government of Australia, today inaugurated the fifth edition of the Practice Parliament for Youth (PPY) at the People’s Majlis Secretariat. The programme runs from 4–11 October 2025, bringing together young leaders from across the Maldives for a week-long immersive learning experience on democracy, governance, and parliamentary processes.
This year’s Practice Parliament continues to provide aspiring youth with hands-on training and exposure to the workings of the People’s Majlis and Law making. Through a combination of lectures, interactive sessions, and practical exercises, participants will gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to engage meaningfully in politics and decision-making.
The agenda covers a wide range of topics, including:
• The history and structure of the Maldivian political system and the People’s Majlis.
• Law-making, oversight, and accountability roles of parliament.
• Democracy, good governance, and participatory governance.
• Gender equality, youth empowerment, and disability inclusion in governance.
• Campaign strategies, political activism, and public speaking.
• Policy issues including corruption, right to information, social vulnerabilities, and social cohesion.
• Practical law review exercises applying gender, human rights, and disability inclusion lenses.
• Networking opportunities with Members of Parliament, Youth Wings of Political Parties, and Civil Society
Practice Parliament for Youth 2025
Organizations working in the Governance Space. The programme will culminate in a Mock Parliament Sitting on 11 October, where participants will step into the role of parliamentarians—debating motions, reviewing laws, and simulating parliamentary proceedings. Since its launch in 2021, the Practice Parliament series has become a flagship initiative for inclusive political participation in the Maldives. To date, it has reached 122 youth through four youth editions, and 276 women through seven women’s editions, including 15 young people with disabilities.
The programme builds on the concept of experiential learning, providing opportunities for aspiring individuals to learn by doing, develop networks and alliances, and gain practical skills to become effective change-makers and future legislators.
Practice Parliament for Youth 2025
Practice Parliament for Youth 2025
Speaking at the opening ceremony, representatives from the People’s Majlis Secretariat and UNDP reaffirmed their commitment to empowering Maldivian youth as active participants in the country’s democratic journey. While the Australian High Commission through various approaches continue to support the Maldives on increasing the civic engagement of young people in the country. “Through the Practice Parliament, young people are not only learning about parliamentary processes, but also building the confidence to lead change in their communities and the nation,” said Hassan Rafeeu, Assistant Director General, People's Majilis Secretariat.
The Practice Parliament for Youth 2025 marks the continuation of the collaborative effort by the People’s Majlis Secretariat, UNDP Maldives, and the Government of Australia to create inclusive spaces for youth and women to actively engage in shaping the country’s future.