At a side-event of the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) titled "Smart Maldives: Journey towards a digitally inclusive community," President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu addressed the audience today, emphasizing the Maldives' strides in digital transformation.

President Dr Muizzu spoke about the unique challenges faced by the Maldives as an archipelagic state with limited natural resources and economic diversification.

He highlighted how technology has been pivotal in overcoming these barriers, enhancing public services, and fostering economic opportunities.

He proudly mentioned that the Maldives has achieved universal telephone coverage and brought essential services such as utilities, healthcare, and education to its citizens through various web applications.

Looking forward, the Maldives is exploring innovative uses for 5G technology, including medical supply delivery via drones, smart road systems, and AI-integrated GIS for environmental monitoring.

President Dr Muizzu also underscored the importance of robust cybersecurity infrastructure, noting the increasing global threats of unauthorized access, account hijacking, and data privacy breaches.

To address these issues, the Maldives has expanded the role of the National Centre for Information Technology and established the National Cybersecurity Agency.

The country aims to introduce legislation to address security concerns in the digital realm.

Calling for international cooperation, President Dr Muizzu highlighted three critical areas for the Maldives' digital journey: targeted investments to promote innovation and economic diversification, technical expertise to develop consumer protection laws, and support for inclusive participation in regional and international digital economy negotiations.

He concluded by reaffirming the Maldives' commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through continuous investment in building a digitally equipped citizenry.

President  Dr Muizzu's address aimed to inspire other nations by sharing the Maldives' experiences and resilience in the face of challenges, advocating for a collaborative approach to harness the potential of digital technology for a sustainable future.

He called for unity and cooperation among SIDS to navigate towards a flourishing digital age.