Dr Mohamed Latheef Awarded Order of Izzuddin

Dr Mohamed Latheef has been awarded the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin (O.D.R.I.), one of the Maldives' highest national honours, in recognition of more than four decades of public service and his contributions to the country's education sector.

Over a career spanning 40 years, Dr Latheef played a key role in modernising the national education system, leading the development of the Maldives' first two Education Master Plans, expanding secondary education and helping establish the Maldives College of Higher Education, which laid the foundation for higher education in the country.

He also served in senior diplomatic roles, including as the Maldives' Permanent Representative to the United Nations, and contributed to the country's graduation from the UN's Least Developed Countries (LDC) list. Dr Latheef later helped establish the Civil Service Commission and most recently served as Chancellor of the Maldives National University.