President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has highlighted the critical issue of the digital divide, stating,

His remarks were made during his participation as Co-Chair at the UN Summit of the Future's "Interactive Dialogue 3: Towards a Common Digital Future."

During his address, President stressed the necessity of global partnerships to enhance the Maldives' cybersecurity infrastructure.

He pointed out the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, noting that even experts struggle to keep pace with the developments.

He also underscored the reality that over a third of the global population lacks internet access, particularly in developing countries.

To address this issue and meet the objectives of the Global Digital Compact, President proposed three key initiatives:

1. Investing in Digital Skills:He emphasized the importance of fostering digital skills among youth and encouraging their active participation in the digital economy, with a commitment to developing local expertise.

2. Building Robust Digital Infrastructure: He highlighted the need for a strong digital infrastructure to support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and improve various sectors within the Maldives.

3. Protecting Consumer Rights: President noted the challenges posed by unauthorized access, account hijacking, and data privacy issues in the digital space, stressing the importance of protecting consumer rights.

While acknowledging the establishment of the National Cybersecurity Agency to address these concerns, he reiterated the need for resources to ensure a resilient cybersecurity framework. 

President Dr Muizzu’s insights underscore the Maldives' commitment to overcoming the digital divide and enhancing digital access, while calling for support from the international community.