The Maldives Accountants Forum (MAF) 2024, organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of the Maldives (CA Maldives), commenced yesterday, drawing a substantial crowd of over 300 participants. This year’s forum aims to redefine industry standards with a sharp focus on “Leading in the Era of AI and ESG.”
The event was graced by the distinguished presence of the Chief Guest, Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Hon. Mohamed Saeed. In his address, Minister Saeed underscored the pivotal role of accounting professionals in the nation’s economic development, highlighting the increasing importance of AI and ESG in modern financial practices.
The welcoming remarks were delivered by Mr. Hussain Niyazy, the Auditor General and President of the Institute. Mr. Niyazy emphasised the necessity of integrating AI and ESG into the Maldivian economy, while also stressing the importance of establishing a robust legal framework for a Data Privacy Act.
The opening ceremony concluded with closing remarks from CA Maldives’ Vice President, Mr. Hassan Mohamed. He shed light on the cautious and careful approach needed when incorporating AI into business operations to mitigate associated risks.
The Maldives Accountants Forum 2024 features a comprehensive agenda focused on the implications of AI and ESG within the finance and accounting sectors. The forum will explore the latest trends and challenges, emphasising the transformative role of artificial intelligence and the critical importance of environmental, social, and governance factors in shaping the future of the industry.
Participants will engage in insightful discussions on critical topics including ESG integration, applications of AI, cybersecurity, and talent development. Key focus areas include the evolving role of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) as an innovator, the impact of AI on auditing practices, ethical considerations surrounding AI, and strategies for cultivating high-performance teams. Additionally, the forum will examine the convergence of AI and ESG and the future of financial planning and analysis.
With a diverse assembly of participants from government ministries, corporations, and auditing firms, the forum is set to be an invaluable continuing professional development (CPD) resource for accountants and industry experts alike. This gathering not only aims to enhance the knowledge base of its attendees but also to inspire innovative practices and forward-thinking strategies in the Maldivian financial sector.
