Digital representation of the Dhivehi language and small island indigenous knowledge is essential to preserving the Maldives’ national and cultural identity, Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage, Heena Waleed has said.
Speaking in Hangzhou, China during the 4th Council Meeting of the “Alliance for Cultural Heritage in Asia” the Minister emphasised that for a nation like the Maldives, the loss of cultural heritage is an existential threat, representing the erosion of national identity, collective memories, and irreplaceable wisdom.
Minister Heena advocated for universal access to modern technological innovations to ensure that the unique cultural characteristics of small island communities are preserved and visible in the digital world.
She noted that these efforts are a core component of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s "2040 vision," which places the safeguarding of Maldivian identity at the forefront of the nation’s journey toward becoming a developed nation.
The Minister, who is on an official visit to China from 16 to 20 October is also scheduled to participate in the Liangzhu Forum to further discuss regional cooperation in heritage conservation.