NEW YORK: Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu expressed optimism that his country will achieve “fully developed country” status by 2040.
Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), he noted that overcoming significant challenges to achieve development is not new for the Maldives. With a population of around 500,000, the nation aims to establish a “digital economy” that harnesses artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance housing, healthcare, and climate resilience.
In outlining his vision for transforming the Maldives, President Muizzu emphasized the critical role of digital connectivity in promoting inclusive development, stimulating economic activities, and fostering a more diverse and resilient economy. He shared plans for utilizing AI to drive this transformation across the Maldives’ more than 1,100 islands, which span 90,000 square kilometers.
Dr. Muizzu highlighted that small nations like the Maldives depend on support from UN member states to meet their development and climate goals, stressing the need for continued international cooperation to help the Maldives and other developing countries achieve their ambitious targets.
Additionally, he addressed the plight of media workers affected by conflicts, particularly those impacted by Israel’s actions in Gaza, the occupied West Bank, and Lebanon. He condemned the targeting of journalists, referring to them as the “eyes and ears of humanity,” and labeled these attacks a cruel attempt to silence reporting on such crimes.
Since gaining independence in 1965, the Maldives has transformed from one of the poorest nations to a middle-income country. Acknowledging the challenges ahead, President Muizzu expressed confidence that, with a solid plan, the Maldives can reach its goal of becoming fully developed by 2040.
Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu expressed optimism that his country will achieve “fully developed country” status by 2040.
Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu expressed optimism that his country will achieve “fully developed country” status by 2040.
As the Maldives embarks on this ambitious journey, the focus will be on enhancing digital connectivity and leveraging AI for economic growth and resilience. The support of the international community will be crucial in realizing this vision, he emphasized.
