BML Backs Mental Health Dialogue as Exclusive Partner for Oevaru Research Conference

Bank of Maldives has been announced as the exclusive banking partner for the upcoming Oevaru Mental Health Research Conference, a national platform set to bring together experts, researchers and stakeholders to strengthen mental health dialogue in the Maldives.

The conference will take place on 16 and 17 May 2026 at Villa Nautica Paradise Island Resort and is expected to feature participation from both local and international professionals working across the mental health sector. Organisers say the event aims to promote research, encourage knowledge exchange and deepen public awareness on mental wellbeing, an area gaining increasing national attention.

By joining the conference as its exclusive banking partner, Bank of Maldives is positioning its support beyond traditional financial services, aligning with broader community wellbeing initiatives. The partnership reflects the bank’s continued investment in social development programmes that address emerging public health priorities and strengthen support systems within Maldivian society.

Oevaru Mental Health Research Conference is designed as a collaborative space where practitioners, academics, policymakers and civil society actors can share research findings, discuss challenges and explore practical solutions to improve mental health services. Sessions are expected to cover topics ranging from early intervention and youth mental health to workplace wellbeing and culturally responsive care.

Bank of Maldives stated that supporting initiatives focused on mental health is part of its wider commitment to enhancing quality of life across communities. The bank has in recent years expanded its corporate social responsibility portfolio to include projects linked to health, education and financial empowerment, reflecting a shift toward long term sustainable impact.

The partnership also signals growing recognition within the private sector that mental health is closely connected to economic productivity, social resilience and overall national development. As conversations around wellbeing become more visible in the Maldives, collaborations between research institutions and corporate partners are increasingly seen as essential to scaling awareness and access to services.

With preparations underway for the May conference, organisers expressed confidence that the event will contribute to building a stronger evidence base for mental health policy and practice in the country, while partnerships such as the one with Bank of Maldives help ensure the continuity and reach of such efforts.