Positive Changes in Countries Part 38 of a Multi-part Series – Marvelous Governments, Marvelous Citizens: Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives

The government of Malawi is a recipient of the Shining World Leadership Award for its noble compassion, stewardship of financial assistance, and dedication to improving the nation’s well-being. Malawi has made continuous progress in health care for women and children with technical and financial support from the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). To address the damage done by uncontrolled clear-cutting of large jungle tracts, the country’s Department of Forestry launched a campaign in 2017 to reverse the trend and create new job opportunities. Malawi is also committed to educating its young people. Secondary Education Expansion for Development (SEED) is a two-pronged program established in 2019 to increase access to high school instruction, especially for female students.

Thanks to decades of political stability and steady growth, Malaysia enjoys one of the most vibrant economies in Asia. It is also mindful of its carbon footprint and has seen strong growth in sustainable sources of power over the past decade. Concerning climate change, a growing number of Malaysians are aware of the connection between their food choices and the environment. The country was ranked the fifth most vegan-friendly tourist destination by HotelFollower.com in 2019. Finally, Malaysian women won a milestone victory in December 2021, when the Appellate Court unanimously ruled that they have the same right as Malaysian men regarding offspring born overseas.

The Republic of Maldives is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean southwest of India and Sri Lanka. In 2015, the villas on the island of Gasfinolhu became the world’s first 100% solar-powered luxury resort. In response to the likelihood of rising oceans, a 432-hectare artificial island was created using sand reclaimed from the seabed. Due to repeated requests from tourists for meals without meat, many holiday destinations in the Maldives have opened plant-based restaurants with menus offering a variety of international vegan dishes.