Wish to see the Maldives as a full-fledged developed nation: President

"By 2040, I wish to see the Maldives as a full-fledged developed nation. A nation that commands respect, is relevant, and one that embodies resilience. A society that is inclusive and just. A country that exemplifies sustainability and democratic governance."

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu delivered these remarks as the General Debate Statement at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79) yesterday.

The President emphasized that to reach this goal, there is a necessity to increase productivity and introduce new industries.

"By investing in the country’s productive capacity and increasing its productivity; By transforming our economy into one that is fully digitised and driven by artificial intelligence; And most importantly, by leveraging the natural beauty and marine resources of the country," the President outlined his vision towards achieving the goal of becoming a developed country.

He highlighted that Maldives is working towards establishing a digital economy that can contribute up to 15 percent of GDP by 2030. he plans to achieve this through investing in the ICT infrastructure and increasing digital literacy.

"We are using and expanding artificial intelligent systems to deliver essential services such as healthcare, education, and social welfare. We are also delving into cutting-edge applications of 5G technology; using drones for medical supply delivery, implementing smart road systems, and utilizing AI-enhanced technology for erosion detection and environmental monitoring," he said.

In introducing new industries, the President announced that the country is working on building a robust financial sector, where establishing the Development Bank of Maldives was a first step. He also mentioned the USD 6.5 million loan facility established for women entrepreneurs, the RasMale' project, as well as the Youth Advisory Board as strides in advancing empowerment and inclusion.

The President also shared plans to advance the tourism sector through innovation and creativity, with the expansion of Velana International Airport as part of this strategy.

He then voiced concerns about the UN’s failure to effectively address critical issues such as climate change, conflict, and inequality. “The Maldives cannot—and will not—stand idle while the multilateral system fails. Our survival depends on the well-being of the world,” President Dr Muizzu declared.

The President called for reforms to the United Nations, stating that its relevance depends on its ability to implement effective changes.