National Youth Council
The National Youth Council ensures that young people have a meaningful voice at the highest levels of MRC governance. It advises the Secretary General and Governing Board on all matters related to youth, promotes MRC's Youth Policy, and ensures that the perspectives of young members and volunteers are reflected in the organization's plans and priorities.
3-5
Council members
4 Years
Term of office
Max 1
Consecutive term
Every 2 yrs
Election frequency
The National Youth Council is the governance body that gives this commitment institutional form at the national level. The Council is elected at the National Youth Forum, held every two years ahead of the General Assembly. The Chair of the National Youth Council sits on the Governing Board as the Youth Member, giving young people a direct seat and full voting rights at MRC's highest governance level. The Council works across all levels of the organization, from advising on policy to reviewing plans and ensuring youth voices reach the bodies that need to hear them.
For MRC, "youth" and "young people" cover all people between the ages of 5 and 25, including children (5–12), adolescents (13–17), and young adults (18–25).
The National Youth Council Chair must be at least 18 and must not have reached the age of 25 at the time of election to the Governing Board.
MRC's Youth Policy affirms that youth engagement goes beyond symbolic inclusion, it is practiced through equal partnership across governance, management, Programmes, and service delivery. MRC recognizes young people across three interconnecting pathways: as leaders, as volunteers, and as members of affected communities.
Current National Youth Council
The National Youth Council comprises three to five members, including a Chair and Vice Chair, elected at the National Youth Forum by active members.
All Council members must be active members of MRC and must not hold any other elected governance position. The term of office is four years with a maximum of one consecutive term. Council members may not hold any other elected positions within MRC's governance bodies.
All members must be between 18 and 25 years of age at the time of election.
Council Chairperson - Serves as Youth Member of the Governing Board by virtue of the position.
Vice Chairperson - assumes the Chair's responsibilities if the Chair is unable to continue until the next National Youth Forum.
Up to three additional members - Composition determined by the Governing Board based on membership population.
How the Council Functions
MRC's Youth Policy sets out that youth engagement is intrinsic to building a stronger National Society. The National Youth Council is the primary body through which this commitment is upheld at the governance level. It ensures youth are not passive recipients but active partners consulted on policies, engaged in planning, and represented in decision-making at all levels of MRC.
Advise the Secretary General and Governing Board on all youth-related matters
Including Programme design, policy development, and strategic priorities that affect young people across the Maldives.
Review and recommend revisions to the Youth Policy
In consultation with Unit Youth Councils and active youth volunteers across the country. The Policy is reviewed every three years or as deemed necessary.
Seek youth opinion on relevant policies and ensure those opinions reach the right bodies
Acting as a bridge between young members and volunteers and MRC's governance structures at Unit and national level.
Present a report to the General Assembly
Outlining developments and activities related to youth in the National Society since the previous Assembly.
