President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has called for continued investment in integrity, accountability, transparency, innovation and genuine partnership, stating that these principles will ensure future generations inherit more resilient states, stronger democracies, healthier economies and more hopeful societies.
He made the remarks while addressing the closing session of the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) Symposium and the opening of the INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI) Global Summit.
He noted that true resilience is founded on strong institutions, underpinned by responsible fiscal management, strengthened through transparency and sustained by public confidence in government. He emphasised that, in this context, the role of Supreme Audit Institutions has never been more important.
He stressed that every dollar entrusted by citizens and every dollar provided by development partners must achieve its intended purpose. Accountability, he said, is not merely an administrative obligation but a strategic national asset and an engine of progress.
Highlighting the unique challenges faced by SIDS, the President observed that many countries must balance investing in the future while managing debt, responding to emergencies while maintaining long-term stability, and protecting vulnerable communities while sustaining economic growth.
He noted that despite significant global economic uncertainty and external pressures, the Maldives has remained committed to honouring its financial obligations while continuing to invest in the nation's future.
On the future of governance, the President said digital transformation offers SIDS an unprecedented opportunity to overcome many of the structural constraints associated with geography, distance and limited capacity. He highlighted the Maldives 2.0 vision as the Government's commitment to building a modern, citizen-centred digital state, adding that technology is not simply an innovation agenda but also a governance, development and resilience agenda for SIDS.
At today’s ceremony, the President also launched the Strategic Plan 2026-2029 of the Auditor General’s Office of Maldives.
Held at Ukulhas in North Ari Atoll, an island recognised for its commitment to environmental sustainability, the SIDS SAIs symposium brought together Supreme Audit Institutions from SIDS to share knowledge and strengthen capacity to support the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
