President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said that prosperous nations are built by strengthening transparency and maintaining a strong commitment to innovation.
The President made these remarks while addressing the closing ceremony of the Small Island Developing States Supreme Audit Institutions (SIDS-SAI) Symposium and the opening of the INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI) Global Summit.
President Dr Muizzu said that the foundation of genuine prosperity lies in strong institutions, and that prosperity is strengthened through responsible financial management and transparent governance. He added that public trust in government is what sustains prosperity, making the role of state audit institutions critically important.
The President also emphasised that every contribution made to the State's finances by citizens and development partners must be spent for its intended purpose. He noted that accountability is not merely an administrative obligation but a fundamental pillar of national progress.
He further stated that, in order to secure prosperous nations, strong democracies, resilient economies and hopeful societies for future generations, countries must work with sincerity to enhance transparency, strengthen accountability, uphold openness, and remain firmly committed to innovation.
Highlighting the challenges facing Small Island Developing States (SIDS), President Muizzu said that many of these countries are managing debt while continuing to invest in their future. He noted that they must also be prepared to respond to unexpected crises while maintaining long-term development plans. At the same time, they face the challenge of sustaining economic growth while protecting vulnerable communities.
The President further said that, despite global uncertainty and external pressures, the Maldives remains committed to investing in its future while continuing to meet its financial obligations.
Speaking about the future of governance, President Muizzu said that digital transformation offers solutions to many of the challenges faced by countries such as the Maldives. In this regard, he said the Government's Maldives 2.0 initiative will help build a modern, citizen-centred digital state that delivers more accessible and efficient public services.