MAHRP Kicks Off Largest HR Convention Yet With 350 Delegates and a Global Speaker Lineup

The 6th National HR Convention and Expo 2026 opened on Saturday at the Maldives National University in Malé, drawing more than 350 delegates from across the country's business and tourism sectors for what is the largest gathering of HR professionals the Maldives has seen.

The event was officially inaugurated by Chief Guest Dr. Mahmoud Shaugee, Chancellor of the Maldives National University, who delivered the opening remarks at the ceremony held at the MNU Central Auditorium. His presence underscored the growing recognition of human capital development as a cornerstone of the country's long-term economic strategy. MAHRP President Ahmed Ibrahim also addressed delegates during the opening session.

The two-day convention, organised by the Maldives Association of Human Resources Professionals (MAHRP), runs through Sunday 12 April and is built around the theme "Human Edge: Thriving in a World of AI" — a direct response to the growing pressure on organisations to define what skilled human contribution looks like as artificial intelligence becomes embedded in the workplace. Sessions cover human-centric leadership, ethical AI, workforce upskilling, and employee engagement.

The speaker programme draws from across the region. Global keynotes include Deborah Henley, an author and coach specialising in human-centric leadership; Kavita Khanna, President of the Asia Pacific Federation of Human Resources Management; and Daniel Heerkens, an AI strategist and Chief Growth Officer. A fireside chat on day two features Masdhooq Saeed, General Manager of Sun Siyam Iruveli Resort, in conversation on what future leadership in the tourism industry demands.

That hospitality focus reflects how central workforce development has become to the Maldives tourism sector. With visitor numbers and resort capacity continuing to grow, the ability of the industry to recruit, train and retain skilled local talent remains one of its most pressing operational challenges.

MAHRP has organised the national HR convention annually since 2019. This sixth edition is its largest to date, both in attendance and in the breadth of its programme, which includes parallel masterclass sessions, panel discussions and dedicated networking breaks across both days.

For more information, visit mahrp.org/events/convention2026