President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has underscored the critical role of digital technologies and innovations in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. He made the statement during his opening remarks at the third interactive dialogue of the Summit of the Future.
In his remarks, the President pointed out the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence and the stark reality that over one-third of the global population remains offline, particularly in developing nations. Noting that this digital divide exacerbates vulnerabilities for small island developing states (SIDS), least developed countries (LDCs), and landlocked developing countries (LLDCs), President Muizzu proposed three key actions for inclusive innovation and cooperation.
First, he called for prioritizing initiatives that empower youth to engage in the digital economy. He noted that the Maldives is investing in digital skills training to enhance local innovation and support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in accessing global markets.
Second, he stressed the need for robust digital infrastructure. He emphasized that expanding high-speed internet access and integrating AI are essential for meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The President highlighted that the Maldives’ National Centre for Information Technology is actively pursuing these initiatives, focusing on capacity building and technology transfer.
Lastly, President Muizzu highlighted the importance of safeguarding consumer rights amid challenges like data privacy and account security. He urged for international cooperation and partnerships to address these issues. He expressed hope for collaborative efforts to harness the digital revolution, reaffirming the Maldives' commitment to an inclusive, resilient, and equitable digital future.