The Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, will attend the 15th session of the Islamic Summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which begins tomorrow, as President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s Special Envoy.

The Minister of Islamic Affairs is scheduled to address the 15th session of the Islamic Summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as the President’s Special Envoy, which begins tomorrow, at Banjul, The Gambia. His address will be broadcast on television.

The Islamic Summit of the OIC, held once every three years, brings the leaders of the Islamic nations together to deliberate, take policy decisions, and provide guidance on issues pertaining to the Ummah as outlined in the OIC Charter.

The 15th Session of the Islamic Summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) will take place in Banjul, The Gambia, from May 4–5, 2024, under the theme “Enhancing Unity and Solidarity through Dialogue for Sustainable Development.”

Source(s): Presidents Office

Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef has emphasised President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration’s steadfast commitment to supporting journalists, addressing their needs and aspirations.

In an interview with PSM news on its 7th anniversary and in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day, Vice President Hussain Mohamed highlighted the administration’s awareness of the challenges faced by journalists, noting President Muizzu’s proactive engagement with them upon assuming office.

Furthermore, Vice President stressed the importance of public trust in the current administration’s ability to effectively address journalists’ concerns, particularly on World Press Freedom Day. He further reiterated that while journalism may not be explicitly delineated in the constitution, it serves as the country’s “fourth power” and urged responsible reporting avoiding misleading information, anticipating positive societal changes with these efforts.

In support of journalist’s financial independence, Vice President confirmed the formulation of a policy allocating a specific percentage of the state budget to them and the resolution of land plots for establishing a special media village.

Additionally, Vice President met with PSM news employees.

Source(s): PsmNews

World Press Freedom Index is an annual ranking of 180 nations – compiled by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) – based on the level of freedom enjoyed by journalists and media personnel in those nations.

Maldives, which ranked 100 in the WPFD last year with a score of 56.93, has dropped down 106^th, scoring 52.36. This marks a slip from the classification of nations where its ‘Problematic’ to practice journalism to nations where its ‘Difficult’ to practice journalism.

RSF has attributed the ratification of the Evidence Bill into law including the provision which allows courts to compel journalists to disclose their sources in some circumstances as the main reason for the drop in the rank.

RSF utilizes five indicators in compiling the WPFI. Maldives have been scored as follows in the respective fields:

• Political indicator: 109^th place with 43.48. This accounts to a drop of 12 ranks as Maldives placed 97^th with 53.75 last year.
• Economic indicator: 133^rd place with 36.04. This accounts to an increase of 28 ranks as Maldives placed 161^st last year with 32.84. It is the only indicator in which Maldives improved its score.
• Legislative indicator: 111^th place with 54.42. This accounts to a drop of 13 ranks as Maldives placed 98^th last year with 59.01.
• Social indicator: 131^st with place with 48,10. This accounts to a drop of 7 ranks as Maldives placed 124^th last year with 55.68.
• Security indicator: 80^th place with 79.79. This accounts to a drop of 23 ranks as Maldives placed 57^th last year with 82.48.

Notably, Maldives placed 87^th in the WPFD in 2022; classified as a nation where it is “Satisfactory” to practice journalism.

Source(s): sun.mv