Introduction In Maldives, youth disengagement and gang violence have emerged as a significant issue, driven by socio-economic factors and limited opportunities for employment and vocational education. A study published by The Maldives National University and the Maldivian Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment reported that many young people feel detached from the economic systems, resulting in growing disillusionment. While the education system provides a comprehensive foundation, it lacks adequate pathways for practical and vocational training. The rise in drug use and gang activity further complicates youth development. Meanwhile, migrant workers make up a significant portion of the workforce, with numbers reaching approximately 180,000 in 2020, many of whom are undocumented. These workers, primarily from Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka, are often subjected to discrimination and human rights abuses. Living in overcrowded conditions and working in low-wage industries like construction, they face limited legal protection. Despite their critical contribution to the economy, migrant workers continue to face social exclusion and inadequate safeguards. Addressing these challenges requires collaboration between the government, civil society, and development partners to create opportunities and support marginalized communities. Villijoali, a grassroots organization based in Villimale, Maldives, exemplifies how civil society organizations (CSOs) can promote inclusivity and resilience in local communities. By fostering connections between local residents and marginalized groups, including migrant workers, Villijoali is creating spaces for dialogue in a society facing complex social challenges. This insight delves into Villijoali’s approach, highlighting its role in advancing social integration and community resilience. Inclusive and Innovative Change-Agent Since its founding in 2016, Villijoali has operated as a volunteer-based organization without seeking external funding. The group is entirely organized and run by the community, drawing on traditional elder structures where members would gather to sit and talk (with "joali" meaning chair). Its core activities include weekly Friday gatherings between local youth and the elderly, which provide a platform for open dialogue on topics ranging from disability support to environmental advocacy. The NGO’s ability to engage various groups, including migrant workers and marginalized youth, is one of its defining strengths. As described by Vice President Mariyam Ashfa Hamdi, the organization strives to create a space where people feel a sense of belonging and togetherness, integral to the fabric of civil society. Villijoali’s migrant worker project exemplifies its inclusive approach. The NGO has created a space for them to integrate into the community. Initiatives like movie nights in Bangla have fostered trust and mutual understanding between locals and migrant workers. It has also championed the creation of a parent support group for families with children with disabilities, which has helped these families access critical resources and advocate for better inclusion in workplaces and public spaces. However, Villijoali’s work is not without challenges. The organization has faced difficulties in scaling its initiatives to other parts of Maldives, such as Hulhumale, due to limited resources and the need for dedicated local champions. Another significant challenge is the pervasive influence of drug gangs that have infiltrated Maldivian community structures. Villijoali has witnessed firsthand the impact of gang activity, particularly on vulnerable youth. Implications Grassroots organizations can help address fragility.The work of Villijoali highlights the critical role of grassroots organizations in fostering social inclusion and resilience, particularly in fragile contexts. By focusing on inclusive dialogue and empowering marginalized groups, they help strengthen social cohesion in communities facing fragility. Community engagement not only mitigates vulnerabilities but also enhances the community's capacity to recover from societal disruptions, aligning closely with the Sustainable Development Goals. Development partners play an important supporting role.Without government support, Villijoali’s work remains limited in scale. CSOs need capacity-building support and partnerships with development organizations to expand their impact. Development actors can play a vital role by offering technical assistance and exposure to global best practices, empowering organizations to scale its efforts and collaborate with other grassroots movements. A notable example is the Australian High Commission’s support in helping Villijoali raise funds through community engagement. Additionally, the Commission invited Villijoali to participate in focus group discussions with persons with disabilities (PWDs) and allies, fostering collaboration on enhancing the inclusivity of Australia Awards scholarships for PWDs in Maldives. In this context, ADB’s fragility and resilience assessments under its Fragile and Small Island Developing States Approach (FSA) provides a comprehensive framework for engaging CSOs like Villijoali. These assessments emphasize the importance of resilience through community engagement, social cohesion, and the empowerment of marginalized groups. This engagement is essential in conflict contexts where the role of CSOs is crucial in service delivery and fostering social trust. Interconnected issues require a nexus approach. Incorporating the Humanitarian–Development–Peace (HDP) nexus into CSO work could also significantly enhance its capacity to build resilience in fragile communities. The HDP nexus emphasizes the interconnectedness of humanitarian aid, long-term development, and peacebuilding. Through Villijoali’s ongoing efforts to empower local communities, the organization contributes to both immediate relief (such as support for disabled persons and migrant workers) and long-term development (such as youth empowerment and environmental advocacy). By engaging at-risk youth and promoting peaceful dialogue, Villijoali’s initiatives also play a critical role in preventing the escalation of conflict, a core tenet of the HDP approach. As the organization continues to flourish, its role in advancing social inclusion, environmental stewardship, and community resilience will be pivotal in shaping the future of Maldives. Resources Asian Development Bank. 2021. Fragile and Conflict-Affected Situations and Small Island Developing States Approach. ADB. Maldives National University. 2022. Disengagement of Maldivian Youth: A Public Perception Study. Maldives National University and Maldivian Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment. S. M. Mohamed. 2019. Protecting Migrant Workers in the Maldives. International Labour Organization. United Nations Development Programme. 2019. Youth Vulnerability in the Maldives. Ask the Experts Chao-Yiing Lu Operations Coordination Specialist, Climate Change and Sustainable Development Department, Asian Development Bank Chao-Yiing Lu is part of the Fragile and Conflict-Affected Situations (FCAS) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) team within CCSD. She has extensive experience in international affairs and diplomacy, having worked with the Fulbright Commission and The New York Times. Her skill set includes expertise in geopolitical analytics, strategic communications, and project management. Follow Chao-Yiing Lu on Asian Development Bank (ADB) The Asian Development Bank is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region. Its main instruments for helping its developing member countries are policy dialogue, loans, equity investments, guarantees, grants, and technical assistance. Follow Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Leave your question or comment in the section below: View the discussion thread.