A specialized capacity-building program for imams and preachers across the Maldives has officially begun, reinforcing the country’s commitment to promoting moderation and combating extremism through education and collaboration. The five-day training titled “Building the Capacity of Imams and Preachers” is being held at Crossroads Maldives and runs under the strategic initiative “Wasata” led by the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
This high-level training initiative brings together selected imams, religious speakers, and scholars from across the nation, aiming to equip them with tools and techniques to effectively counter extremist ideologies. The program was inaugurated by Minister of Islamic Affairs, H.E. Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed on Monday, May 5, 2025, at a ceremony attended by key dignitaries including he Minister of Sports, H.E. Mr. Abdulla Rafiu; and the Secretary-General of IMCTC, H.E. Maj. Gen. Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi.
Organized in partnership with the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) of the Maldives, the initiative offers an educational approach to addressing the root causes of terrorism by enhancing the intellectual, communicative, and ideological skills of local religious leaders.
In his keynote address, H.E. Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, Minister of Islamic Affairs, emphasized that the training program, organized by the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) in collaboration with the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) of the Maldives, serves as an essential initiative to deliver accurate and credible knowledge about terrorism and extremism. He stated that terrorism is an ideological illness without religious foundation, and the most effective remedy lies in spreading authentic information grounded in Islamic principles.
H.E. Dr. Shaheem expressed his sincere appreciation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, for their continued efforts in safeguarding the Islamic Ummah from extremism, terrorism, and ideological distortion. He acknowledged that Saudi Arabia’s extensive experience and expertise offer valuable lessons for the Maldives and other countries striving to address similar challenges. He further noted that confronting such complex issues begins with education sourced from reliable and authoritative platforms. Highlighting Saudi Arabia’s proactive measures in counterterrorism, he commended the Kingdom for serving as a global reference point in this domain. Dr. Shaheem also reiterated the Maldives’ own efforts to counter extremism under the leadership of H.E. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and expressed confidence that continued cooperation between the two nations would lead to meaningful progress in combating terrorism and promoting peace.
Secretary-General Al-Moghedi underscored that the IMCTC operates with a comprehensive framework that extends beyond military efforts. He emphasized the importance of addressing ideological and psychological factors in terrorism, noting that radicalization often stems from distorted beliefs rather than violent actions alone. He outlined IMCTC’s broader strategy, which includes 15 key initiatives across ideological, media, counter-terrorist financing, and military domains.
This effort is part of IMCTC’s ongoing mission to strengthen the collective capacity of its 42 member states in responding to terrorism and extremism through unified action and shared knowledge. The Maldives’ participation in this initiative further highlights the nation’s proactive stance in upholding regional stability and fostering a safe environment for both residents and visitors.
By investing in the development of its religious leadership, the Maldives not only reinforces its internal resilience but also signals its ongoing commitment to global peace and the responsible promotion of Islamic values, qualities that resonate deeply with international partners and visiting communities alike.
