President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has called upon development partners to support the Maldives in expanding its digital infrastructure and strengthening institutions such as the National Centre for Information Technology and the National Cybersecurity Agency. Speaking at the Side Event “Building Productive Capacities in Small Island Developing States (SIDS),” President Muizzu highlighted the critical role of digital transformation in the country's economic development and protection against cyber threats.
In his speech, President Muizzu said collaborations of this nature will support the advancement of the digital economy and ensure that we remain protected from the increased proliferation of cyber threats. He emphasised the narrative that SIDS are inherently limited in their development prospects must be challenged.
While acknowledging the structural challenges faced by SIDS, President Muizzu drew inspiration from success stories of other small nations that have overcome similar barriers through strategic investments in innovation, human capital, and productive capacities. Quoting the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, he remarked, “It isn’t the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out, it’s the pebbles in your shoe,” referring to outdated development thinking that must be replaced with data-driven, forward-looking strategies.
The President outlined several key areas of focus for the Maldives. He highlighted the importance of expanding the digital economy, noting that the government has prioritised investments in infrastructure and skills development. This includes ensuring universal access to high-speed internet, integrating the Maldives into the global market, and facilitating access to global payment gateways, which are critical to strengthening the digital economy.
President Muizzu also highlighted the significance of resilient infrastructure as a key driver of economic growth. He pointed to ongoing upgrades in transportation, energy, and digital connectivity as vital steps towards this goal. The Maldives is nearing universal access to high-speed internet, and advanced technologies such as 5G and AI are being adopted to enhance the state’s capacity and improve service delivery.
In addition to these efforts, the President called on development partners to support the enhancement of the Productive Capacities Index developed by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), a tool used to measure and track the progress of Small Island Developing States. He invited UN agencies to collaborate with the Maldives in implementing targeted policy interventions that will help boost economic productivity and further diversify the country's economy.
President Muizzu concluded his speech by emphasising the need for SIDS to focus on economic diversification and technological advancements.