The Maldives has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Kazakhstan to collaborate on technology development on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Digital Inclusion and Transformation, held from 3 to 5 September in Astana.
Representing the Maldives at the conference was Mohamed Kinaanath, Minister of State for Homeland Security & Technology, while Kazakhstan was represented by Zhaslan Madiyev, Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry.
ކަޒަކިސްތާނާއި ދިވެހިރާއްޖެއާ ދެމެދު ޓެކްނޮލޮޖީ ގެ ދާއިރާއިން އެއްބާރުލުން ދިނުމާގުޅޭ ފަހުމުނާމާގައި ސޮއިކުރުން. pic.twitter.com/oCD7We7ZRq
— Ministry of Homeland Security & Technology, MV (@HomeMinistrymv) September 4, 2024
The MoU outlines a framework for collaboration between the Maldives and Kazakhstan to address mutual challenges in the technology sector, specifically focusing on capacity building and workforce development in digital fields.
Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference 2024: Driving Regional Digital Transformation
The Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Digital Inclusion and Transformation brought together delegations from over 30 countries to discuss ways to build more inclusive digital economies and societies across the region. The event focused on enhancing cooperation to bridge the digital divide and strengthen digital connectivity, trust, and security.
At the conference, high-level discussions covered a range of issues, including digital inclusion, infrastructure development, and the role of digital technologies in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs).
The Asia-Pacific Digital Transformation Report 2024 launch during the event offered further insights into how digital technologies will impact climate change and sustainable development. The report highlighted 27 examples of digital solutions, from AI-powered geospatial data to infrastructure and disaster risk reduction.
Speaking to the Astana Times, Kinaanath underscored the importance of such cooperation in ensuring inclusive digital growth. “Digital inclusion in the Asia-Pacific region is crucial, especially for ensuring access to ICT [information and communication technology] resources. In the Maldives, we have an 85% internet penetration rate and strong mobile subscriber numbers. However, we still aim to improve access for those who have not yet benefited,” he added.
Kazakhstan’s GovTech Innovations: A Model for the Maldives
The MoU comes at a time when the Maldives is actively pursuing digital innovation as part of its efforts to diversify its economy, which relies heavily on tourism and fisheries.
During the conference, Kazakhstan showcased its leadership in digital governance, presenting its innovative GovTech solutions. One of the standout innovations was the Digital Family Card, a key part of Kazakhstan’s e-government infrastructure. This platform, launched in 2022, has already provided over 2.2 million social services, using more than 100 socio-economic indicators to inform government decisions.
Kazakhstan’s success in digital governance offers valuable insights for the Maldives as it continues to develop its digital infrastructure. “I believe this conference will lead to tangible outcomes, as the knowledge exchange between countries like Kazakhstan and the Maldives is invaluable,” said Kinaanath.
