MAHRP Convention to Bring Global Thought Leaders to Maldives

The National HR Convention & Expo 2026 is set to bring a distinguished lineup of global thought leaders to the Maldives, reinforcing the country’s growing role as a platform for international dialogue on leadership, human capital and the future of work.

Scheduled for 11–12 April 2026 in Malé, the sixth edition of the convention is organised by the Maldives Association of Human Resource Professionals (MAHRP). The event has steadily evolved into a key fixture in the professional calendar, attracting participation from international experts alongside regional and local practitioners.

This year’s convention is centred on the theme “Human Edge: Thriving in a World of AI,” highlighting the increasing importance of human-centric leadership in an era shaped by rapid technological advancement. As artificial intelligence continues to reshape business operations and workforce structures, the emphasis on adaptability, skills development and leadership capability is becoming more pronounced across organisations in the Maldives.

A defining feature of the 2026 edition is its international speaker lineup, reflecting a deliberate effort to connect local professionals with global expertise. The participation of established voices in leadership, organisational strategy and digital transformation positions the convention as a conduit for knowledge exchange at a time when businesses are navigating complex workplace shifts.

Speaker Lineup

The convention will feature the following speakers:

International Speakers

• Deborah Henley, Keynote Speaker, Author and Coach on Human Centric Leadership

• Scott Friedman, Global Keynote Speaker, Chief Celebration Officer, Scott Friedman & Associates

• Kavita Khanna, Senior Asia Pacific Advisor, World Federation of People Management Associations (WFPMA)

• Daniel Heerken, CEO, Global HR Tech and AI Expert, Speaker

• Sonja Piontek, Executive Coach, Global Keynote Speaker, Author

• Larissa Murmann, Chief HR Officer, Digital HR Leader driving culture and transformation

• Dr. Damini Chawla, Global Communication Coach, Human Connection Expert, Keynote Speaker and Author

• Professor Ajantha Dharmasiri, Professor, Management Thinker and Organisational Strategist

• Dr. Swapna Chaganty, Chief Learning Advisor, Singapore Leaders Network

Local and Regional Speakers

• Iyaz Waheed, Growth Mindset Advocate, Keynote Speaker and Coach

• Maeesha Asif, Corporate Trainer, Leadership and Communication Coach

• Sarah Morello, Director HR, People and Culture, Banking Sector

• Dr. Annepaul Vemagiri, Assistant Vice President, Learning and Development, Certified Coach (ICF)

• Ridha Alayad, Aviation Enthusiast, Speaker and Growth Strategist

• Aishath Shareef, Manager, Training and Development, Maldives Police Service

• Kshanika Ratnayaka, Chief Executive Officer, Great Place to Work Sri Lanka

The diversity of the speaker pool reflects a balance between global perspectives and local relevance, enabling discussions that are both forward-looking and grounded in practical experience.

Beyond individual sessions, the convention is expected to serve as a platform for cross-sector engagement, bringing together HR professionals, business leaders and decision-makers. At a time when workforce development, productivity and talent retention remain key priorities for the Maldivian economy, such platforms are gaining increased importance.

The growing international participation also points to a broader shift in how the Maldives is positioning itself. While traditionally known for tourism, the country is increasingly hosting knowledge-driven events that contribute to professional development and institutional capacity building.

For local participants, the opportunity to engage directly with global thought leaders provides access to insights and best practices that would otherwise require overseas exposure. This facilitates stronger knowledge transfer and supports the development of a more resilient and future-ready workforce.

As organisations across the Maldives navigate digitalisation, evolving employee expectations and changing business models, the National HR Convention & Expo 2026 arrives at a critical juncture. Its focus on actionable insights and forward-looking strategies aligns with the broader need to strengthen leadership capability and organisational adaptability across sectors.

With its expanding scope and international reach, the convention reflects a maturing professional ecosystem and signals the Maldives’ growing participation in global conversations on the future of work.