Maldives ambition for digital transformation: Steering Towards an Intelligence-Driven and Resilient Future

On 9 September 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UN in Maldives co-hosted the "Summit of the Future Side Event: A Vision for an Intelligence-Driven Future", aimed at exploring the country's path towards technological transformation. This live broadcasted event brought together distinguished leaders from government, academia, civil society, and the global technology ecosystem. This event was aimed to contribute the national input towards the global discourse for the Summit of the Future Conference to be held in in New York from 22-23 September 2024.

The highlights of the event included keynote address of His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, President of the Republic of Maldives on the topic "insert topic" and by "insert Steve name" on the topic "insert Steve ppt heading". The esteemed panel of experts included Mr. Steve Loenard - Global Tech Leader and Innovative Ecosystem Builder, H.E. Dr. Ali Haidar Ahmed - Minister of Housing, Land and Urban Development, H.E. Dr. Kinaanath Mohamed -Minister of State for Homeland Security and Technology & National Center for Information Technology, Dr. Aminath Shafiya Adam- Dean of Center for Research and Publication, Islamic University of Maldives, Ms. Aiesha Adnan- Co-founder of Women in Tech Maldives and Mr. Margret Vijay S. - Director of Villa College.

The key-note speeches and the panel discussion focused on harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and data-driven decision-making to shape a sustainable and resilient future for the Maldives. This event emphasized the need for a participatory process in identifying local solutions for developmental challenges and the onus the current administration places on innovation, strategic collaboration, and forward-thinking solutions.

Why an Intelligence-Driven Future?

The Maldives faces unique challenges, from climate vulnerability and economic instability to governance difficulties stemming from its Small Island Developing States (SIDS) characteristics, especially geographically dispersed population. Therefore, the Maldives recognizes the need to leverage technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven systems, to transform these challenges into opportunities for enhanced digital and physical access for public services.

Digital platforms hold the potential to revolutionize key sectors such as waste management, food production, disaster response, and healthcare in Maldives. Initiatives like the Digital Maldives for Adaptation, Decentralization, and Diversification (DMADD) Project are already laying the foundation by developing the necessary digital infrastructure. Yet, true transformation will not only rely on building this infrastructure but also on effectively applying technology to address the Maldives' most pressing challenges.

Navigating the Path Ahead

Despite the promise of digital transformation, significant challenges remain. These include cybersecurity gaps, concerns around data protection, and a persistent digital divide, especially along gender lines and older populations. To overcome these challenges, a whole-of-society approach is needed. At the Summit of the Future side event, stakeholders emphasized the importance of collaboration between government, the private sector, and civil society to establish robust legal frameworks, invest in technological infrastructure and enhance technological skills and its accessibility.

Looking forward, the Maldives will endeavor to become a digital leader, especially among Small Island Developing States (SIDS). One of the platforms for this will be the 20-year long-term National Development Plan that will be envisioned by the government through a participatory consultation process and collective commitment of citizens and varied stakeholders. Maldives is passionate to forge a developmental trajectory that addresses the key challenges for the digital transformation journey such as cybersecurity, data literacy, and digital safety. In a rapidly changing world, and a vulnerable country such as Maldives, an intelligence-driven future is an urgent necessity to secure a sustainable and resilient future for all its people that leaves on one behind.