The Orientation Program for newly elected councillors and Women’s Development Committee (WDC) members is to be held from 10 to 14 May 2026, in collaboration with Local Government Authority (LGA) and Maldives Institute of Local Governance (MILG).

This year’s orientation program will be conducted online over a period of five days and is designed to prepare newly elected councillors and WDC members for their roles and responsibilities before officially assuming office. The program will provide participants with important knowledge and guidance on local governance, leadership responsibilities, administrative procedures, and community-focused service delivery.

The main objective of the program is to familiarize participants with the responsibilities attached to their positions and strengthen their capacity to effectively serve their communities from the very beginning of their term. Through the sessions, participants will gain practical knowledge on the role of councils and WDCs, decentralization policies, governance procedures, teamwork, communication, and community engagement.

This year’s program also marks a significant change from previous years, as it will be conducted prior to the swearing-in of councillors and the pledge signing of WDC members. In earlier terms, orientation sessions were typically held after members officially took office. Conducting the program beforehand will allow members to begin their responsibilities with a clearer understanding of their duties, institutional processes, and expectations.

Sessions throughout the program will be facilitated by staff from the Local Government Authority and the Maldives Institute of Local Governance, alongside experts and representatives from various relevant government institutions.