President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has declared digitalisation as the cornerstone of the Maldives’ national vision, highlighting its transformative potential in addressing the country’s unique challenges. Speaking at the “Summit of the Future Side Event: A Vision for an Intelligence-Driven Future for Maldives” held on Monday, the President highlighted the critical role of digital technologies in shaping a more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive future for the Maldives.
In his address, President Dr Muizzu emphasised that digitalisation is not merely a tool for economic enhancement but a fundamental aspect of improving the quality of life for Maldivians. He stated that initiatives such as the Digital Maldives Program are crucial in equipping the youth with essential skills to thrive in the digital economy. “Equally, we are ensuring that our women, the backbone of our society, have equal access to these opportunities,” he added, highlighting the government’s commitment to inclusivity in digital advancement.
The President’s remarks also focused on how digitalisation is being harnessed to manage the nation’s scarce resources more effectively and enhance public service delivery. From smart technologies that improve sustainability to early warning systems that mitigate environmental challenges, the Maldives is leveraging digital solutions to build a more secure and prosperous future.
A National Strategy Aligned with Global Goals
The event, organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in partnership with the United Nations in the Maldives, served as a platform to advance the understanding of digitalisation, technology, and innovation. Co-hosted by Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Mr Moosa Zameer and interim UN Resident Coordinator Mr Bradley James Busetto, the event also featured a keynote address by Mr Steve Leonard, a renowned global tech leader and innovation ecosystem builder. Leonard spoke on the necessity of purpose-driven innovation, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between government support and technological advancements driven by scientists and engineers.
President Dr Muizzu’s vision for a digitally empowered Maldives aligns with broader global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. He articulated the aspiration for a Maldives where “every citizen, every business, and every institution is digitally empowered,” thereby fostering a digital economy that is “inclusive, innovative, affordable, and sustainable.”
Digitalisation: A Pillar of Economic Development
Digitalisation holds immense promise for the Maldivian economy, a point emphasised throughout the summit. By creating an environment conducive to innovation, the Maldives aims to strengthen its economic resilience and diversify its economy, traditionally reliant on tourism and fishing. The establishment of the Maldives Development Bank, spearheaded by President Dr Muizzu, is intended to finance projects that support digital innovation, sustainability, and socio-economic development. This move is seen as a critical step towards overcoming the lack of capital, which has historically been a significant hurdle for the nation.
The event also featured a panel discussion among key stakeholders, including Minister of Housing, Land, and Urban Development Dr Ali Haidar Ahmed, Minister of State for Homeland Security and Technology Dr Mohamed Kinaanath, and representatives from academia and civil society. The panel delved into the transformative potential of digitalisation to address key development challenges, from governance and social equity to environmental resilience.
Inclusive Engagement for a Digital Future
Inclusive participation was a hallmark of the event, with students from various universities and high schools in attendance. This engagement is part of a broader strategy to inspire the younger generation and involve them in building an intelligence-driven future for the Maldives.
The discussions illustrated the importance of collaboration among government entities, the private sector, and civil society to leverage the benefits of digitalisation and innovation fully. As the Maldives navigates its path towards a digital future, the involvement of diverse stakeholders will be crucial to ensure that digital advancements lead to broad-based economic and social progress.
President Dr Muizzu concluded his speech by acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead, including the complexities of navigating a rapidly evolving digital landscape. He called for global cooperation to address these challenges and underscored the need for continued support from the international community.
For the Maldives, a small nation with vast ambitions, the success of its digitalisation efforts will ultimately be measured not just by the technologies deployed but by the lives improved. As the country moves towards a digitally empowered future, the focus remains on building a society where technology serves as a catalyst for inclusive growth and sustainable development.
