Today marks the International Day of Democracy, a day observed globally to highlight the importance of democratic values and practices. This year, the theme centres on “Ensuring Effective Governance of AI at All Levels,” highlighting the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a tool for good governance. As nations worldwide reflect on the intersection of democracy and technology, the Maldives, too, must consider the implications of AI on its democratic framework and governance.
The Promise and Perils of AI
In his message commemorating the day, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted the dual nature of AI as both an enabler and a threat to democracy. On the one hand, AI holds the promise of enhancing public participation, promoting equality, improving security, and supporting human development. On the other hand, if left unchecked, its potential dangers could have severe implications for democracy, peace, and stability.
For the Maldives, a country at the crossroads of embracing digital transformation, these words are particularly resonant. The rapid advancement of AI technology in sectors like healthcare, tourism, and public administration brings opportunities for growth and improved service delivery. However, the unchecked proliferation of AI systems without a robust governance framework could also exacerbate existing inequalities and undermine democratic processes.
Towards Inclusive AI Governance
The Secretary-General’s call for effective governance of AI at all levels, including internationally, is a reminder of the necessity to develop a framework that is inclusive, transparent, and accountable. The High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence recently released a report outlining key recommendations to harness AI’s benefits while mitigating its risks. These principles, which can provide a valuable reference for the Maldives, emphasise inclusivity, public interest, data governance, a networked multistakeholder approach, and adherence to international law.
Inclusivity and Accessibility
The report highlights the need for inclusivity in AI governance, ensuring that all citizens, particularly those from the Global South, can access and meaningfully utilise AI tools. For the Maldives, this could translate into policies that ensure equitable access to AI-driven services, regardless of socio-economic status or geographic location. Empowering citizens through digital literacy programmes and investing in infrastructure to bridge the digital divide would be crucial steps in this direction.
Governance in the Public Interest
Governance of AI should extend beyond the mere ‘do-no-harm’ principle to create a broader accountability framework for entities that develop, deploy, and control AI systems, as well as their users. In the Maldivian context, this means ensuring that AI is leveraged to benefit the public interest, not just private or corporate interests. Clear guidelines and regulatory frameworks must be established to hold AI developers and users accountable for the ethical use of AI, particularly in sectors that directly impact the public, such as healthcare, law enforcement, and public administration.
Centrality of Data Governance
AI governance cannot be separated from the governance of data. The Maldives, like many nations, must recognise the importance of managing data effectively and ethically. Establishing data commons and robust data protection laws would not only support AI governance but also safeguard the privacy and rights of Maldivian citizens. With increasing digitalisation, a comprehensive national strategy on data governance would be a necessary foundation for responsible AI deployment.
A Multilateral and Legal Approach
AI governance should be universal, networked, and multistakeholder, with buy-in from various countries and stakeholders, leveraging existing institutions through a coordinated approach. For the Maldives, engaging in regional and international dialogues on AI governance would be vital. Aligning national policies with international standards, such as those set out by the UN Charter, International Human Rights Law, and the Sustainable Development Goals, would ensure that the Maldives remains at the forefront of ethical AI adoption.
UNESCO’s Recommendations and Democratic Governance
UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence serves as the first global policy framework addressing AI’s impact on political life and democracy. The report identifies four key themes—democratic expectations and disappointments of digitisation, the new digital public sphere, the democracy of data, and democracy as a form of political decision-making. These themes resonate with the Maldivian experience, where digital tools increasingly shape public discourse, governance, and decision-making processes.
As the Maldives contemplates the future of AI within its democratic framework, these recommendations offer valuable insights. Emphasising transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in AI governance could help mitigate the risks of digitalisation and promote a more democratic approach to technological integration.
A Call for Responsible AI Governance
As we reflect on the International Day of Democracy, the Maldives is presented with an opportunity to ensure that the rise of AI contributes positively to its democratic journey. By fostering an inclusive, transparent, and accountable approach to AI governance, grounded in both national priorities and international standards, the Maldives can harness the potential of AI to strengthen democracy rather than compromise it. The challenge lies in balancing innovation with regulation, growth with equity, and technology with humanity.
