Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Ali Shareef has highlighted how the digital initiatives and artificial intelligence (AI) can help overcome geographical barriers to education and skills development.
He made the remarks during the Human Capital Ministerial Conclave on "Private Capital for Skills in the Age of AI" on the sidelines of the IMF-World Annual Meetings 2026, ongoing in Bangkok, Thailand.
In the Maldives' intervention, the minister highlighted how the Maldives’ Digital 2.0 initiative and AI could help provide quality learning and skills to every island. He also called for blended and outcome-based financing to mobilise private investment in skills, frameworks that protect learners, and tailored solutions for small island states.
As AI and digital technology are driving major changes in the global job market, it is imperative that small island nations like the Maldives prepare for these changes. The Environment Ministry described the points presented by Minister Ali Shareef at the IMF-World Bank high-level meeting as an important step towards harnessing technology for national development, raising the voice of small island nations on the international stage and obtaining financial and technical assistance.