Excellencies, distinguished delegates,
At the Fourth International Conference on SIDS, earlier this year, I said “The Future is Intelligence Driven”. Since then, Artificial Intelligence has advanced at a pace that even experts struggle to keep up with.
Yet, the pressing reality is that over one-third of the global population remains disconnected from the internet, particularly in developing countries.
This digital divide is not only about access to internet. It is a profound barrier to development, opportunity, and justice. For SIDS, LDCs, and LLDCs, the digital divide exacerbates existing vulnerabilities.
To bridge this divide and achieve the objectives of the Global Digital Compact, I urge all participants in this Interactive Dialogue to identify policies and actions that ensure no country, no one, is left behind
I would like to offer three suggestions:
First, we must prioritize initiatives that empower young people to participate in the digital economy. In the Maldives, we are committed to:
.. Investing in digital skilling and re-skilling to fuel local innovation and drive economic diversification.
.. Supporting MSMEs and freelance workers to gain access to global workforce and marketplaces.
We believe this will enable the youth to take the lead in driving digital transformation.
Second, we must build the necessary digital infrastructure. Digital technologies and innovation are necessary to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We can achieve the SDGs by adopting best practices from both developing and developed countries.
This includes, investing in:
… expanding high-speed internet coverage,
… enhancing digital access to essential services, and
… integrating AI to boost productive capacity.
In the Maldives, the National Centre for Information Technology is undertaking several initiatives in these areas. We must also invest in capacity building, encourage technology transfer, and boost investment and financing towards these efforts.
Third, as we embrace digitalization, we must safeguard consumer rights. Challenges related to unauthorized access, account hijacking, and data privacy are real. To address challenges in the Maldives we’ve established the National Cybersecurity Agency to address security concerns that arise in digitalization.
We, of course, need resources for a resilient cybersecurity infrastructure. To complement and support our own efforts. Ambitious actions in this area demand international cooperation, investment, and genuine partnerships.
The Maldives is committed to building a digital world that is inclusive, resilient, and just.
I look forward to hearing country experiences, best practises, and challenges in this Dialogue today.
Together we can harness the digital revolution towards our common future.
Thank you.
