AI-integration to boost productivity, says Pres

The Maldives has launched initiatives towards artificial intelligence (AI) integration to enhance productivity, says President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

He made the remarks at the opening of the Interactive Dialogue 3 of the Summit of the Future, where he spoke as the co-chair of the meeting.

While opening his remarks, President Muizzu reiterated his statement made earlier at the 4th International Conference of SIDS, where he said "the future is intelligence driven."

He went on to underscore how AI has advanced at pace that "even experts struggle" to keep up with, and noted that the present reality is over one-third of the global population remains disconnected from the internet.

"This digital divide is not only about access to internet, it is a profound barrier to development, opportunity, and justice," he added.

He further said that for SIDS, LDCs, and LLDCs, this digital divide exacerbates existing vulnerabilities. Muizzu urged participants of the interactive dialogue to idenfity policies and actions to ensure no country and no one is left behind in ensuring to bridge the digital divide.

In this regard, he offered three suggestions, the first and foremost being the prioritization of initiatives empowering young people in participating in the digital economy.

Muizzu stressed Maldives is commited to investing in digital skilling and reskilling to "fuel local innovation and drive economic diversification" that would support MSMEs and freelance workers gain access to global workforce and marketplaces.

Next, he stressed building necessary digital infrastructures.

"Digital technologies and innovation are necessary to achieve the 2030 agenda for sustainable development," Muizzu said, and added that the SDGs can be achieved by adopting the 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."

Muizzu highlighted the National Center for Information Technology (NCIT) in the Maldives, is undertaking several initiatives in these areas.

He further urged to invest in capacity building, encourage technology transfer, and boost investment and financing towards these efforts.

Lastly, President Muizzu called for safeguarding consumer rights.

He highlighted the challenges related to unauthorized access, account hijacking and data privacy are areal. He also addressed that the Maldives has established the National Cybersecurity Agency to address these challenges.

For a resilient cybersecurity infrastructure to compliment and support the Maldives' efforts towards digital integration, Muizzu stressed the need for resources.

"Ambitious actions in this area demand international cooperation, investment, and genuine partnerships," Muizzu said.

"The Maldives is commtted to building a digital world that is inclusive, resilient, and just."

Muizzu concluded his remarks, expressing hope on hearing the participant countries' experience, best practices, and challenges in the interactive dialogue.

President Muizzu is currently in New York to attend the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), taking place at the United Nations Headquarters (UNHQ).