USAID Pledges $4.4 Million to Strengthen Media Literacy and Democratic Reforms

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has committed an aid package of USD 4.4 million to the Maldives, aimed at enhancing media literacy and supporting democratic reforms.

The announcement was made during USAID’s “Democracy Delivers” event, held alongside the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79).

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Launched in 2022 by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and USAID Administrator Samantha Power, the Democracy Delivers Initiative is designed to assist nations undergoing democratic transitions.
This year’s event, organised in collaboration with the Ford Foundation, gathered government leaders, philanthropic organisations, and civil society representatives to bolster support for countries like the Maldives.

Of the total funding, USD 3 million will be directed towards strengthening media literacy and fostering resilience against misinformation. Programmes will focus on improving transparency in the media sector and equipping citizens, particularly youth, with the skills to critically analyse media and social media content.

The remaining USD 1.4 million will support initiatives to raise awareness of democratic rights and promote civic engagement. These efforts will include collaborations with local councils and women’s development committees (WDCs) to increase accountability and transparency in democratic processes.

This investment aligns with the Maldives’ ongoing efforts to enhance governance, encourage civic participation, and strengthen transparency. USAID reaffirmed its commitment to helping the Maldives implement critical economic and democratic reforms while promoting a sustainable and inclusive economy.

The Maldives’ Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ali Naseer Mohamed, welcomed the new investment, highlighting the nation’s progress in democracy. The Maldives is part of a coalition of countries benefiting from this initiative, with partners such as Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom also pledging support to advance democratic resilience and information integrity.