Digitalisation cornerstone of Maldives national vision, president says

President Mohamed Muizzu said on Monday that digitalisation is the cornerstone of the Maldives’ national vision.

He made the statement during his speech at the Summit of the Future Side Event: A Vision for an Intelligence-Driven Future for Maldives.

The president reflected on the unique challenges posed to the Maldives, citing that the nation was a testament to the transformative power of innovation.

He said that the Maldives was showcasing how digitalisation was shaping our future, indicating that it was already being used to manage the nation’s scarce resources and enhance public service delivery.

The embrace of digitalisation, the president added, was not only to enhance economic prospects, but also to elevate the quality of life for Maldivians.

President Muizzu said that the focus of digitalisation was to empower citizens with digital literacy, ensuring that technology was harnessed to bring forth creators and innovators.

“Through initiatives like the Digital Maldives Programme, we are equipping our youth with the skills needed to succeed in the digital economy. Equally, we are ensuring that our women, the backbone of our society, have equal access to these opportunities,” he said.

The president also highlighted the vital role digitalisation played in tackling the environmental challenges, one of the most pressing issues for the nation. He indicated that early warning systems and smart technologies were helping to build a more sustainable and resilient future.

President Muizzu highlighted the various applications of digitalisation. While recognising the immense opportunities, the President also noted the complex challenges such a digital age would pose. Global cooperation, he said, was necessary to combat those complexities.

“One of our major hurdles is a lack of capital, which is why I spearheaded the establishment of the Maldives Development Bank. This institution will focus on financing projects that support digital innovation, sustainability, and both economic and social development,” he said.

He concluded his speech by stating that while the Maldives was a small nation, our ambitions were vast. These ambitions, he added, would be made a reality with the unwavering determination of the Maldivian people and the continued support of the international community.

The Maldives’ success, he said, will be measured not just by the technologies deployed but by the lives improved.