The first ever virtual camp of the ‘Miyaheli’ series connects changemakers to create innovative ideas to fight the COVID-19 crisis

May 7, 2020: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s ‘Miyaheli’ series sees the first virtual social innovation challenge unfold in the Maldives, bringing together changemakers, experts and tools to create innovative ideas that would aid the nation in its response and recovery efforts during the time of COVID-19.

Ooredoo Maldives and UNDP Maldives have teamed up with Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment and the National Youth Council in this 5^th cycle of the series, being held from May 7-9, 2020. The aim is to foster the spirit of innovation and connect those with creative solutions to tackle the COVID-19 crisis and help to bring their ideas to life alongside mentorship, guidance and funding in a sustainable manner, entirely online through design thinking.

“While COVID 19 presents unprecedented health and socioeconomic challenges, we see people are very eager to be part of the solutions. We are pleased to work with many inspiring individuals in Maldives to codesign solutions,” said Akiko Fujii, UNDP Resident Representative.

This year’s Miyaheli is focused on addressing these particular challenges arising from the crisis:

1.       Supporting the most vulnerable and at-risk people (elderly, people with disabilities, migrants and people experiencing any form of violence)

2.       Supporting Business and Industries (particularly MSMEs and informal sector, supporting existing industries adapt and expand, and diversifying the economy)

3.       Enhancing social connectedness and cohesion (coping with social isolation, helping access psychosocial support and initiatives for digital social connectedness)

4.       Innovation for Health (early detection, response and recovery and prevention), and

5.       Improving daily lives through innovation

At the end of Miyaheli, top five winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on live stream. Seed funding and mentorship will be provided to the five winners in accordance with their proposed budget and requirements, so that the ideas can continue to prosper and make a difference.

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NOTE:

The Social Innovation Camps, 'Miyaheli' has been organised in the Maldives by UNDP in partnership with Ooredoo for the past four years and with Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment since 2019. The series brings together youth, ideas, mentors and digital and nondigital tools to create innovations on pressing social issues. Close to 90 youth from across the country have been engaged since 2016. This year’s virtual ‘Miyaheli’ would be the 5^th cycle of the series.