A two-day national forum on digital transformation has concluded in Malé, bringing together government agencies and international experts to map out the Maldives’ next phase of technological development.
The Maldives Digital Summit, held at Barceló Nasandhura, was organised in partnership between Maldives Digital Service and the World Bank. The event formed part of ongoing efforts to advance the government’s “Digital First Nation” agenda under President Mohamed Muizzu’s broader Maldives 2.0 vision.
Government and Global Experts Convene
The summit, held from the 27th to 29th of this month, saw participation from the President’s Office, several government ministries, and key national institutions including the Department of National Registration (DNR). Representatives from the World Bank and private sector stakeholders were also in attendance.
Speaking at the closing session, State Minister for Homeland Security and Technology Dr Mohamed Kinanath said the forum served as a platform for policymakers and technical experts to align priorities and accelerate the country’s digital transition.
He noted that discussions centred on improving coordination across institutions and building a unified framework to deliver digital services more effectively.
Building a Citizen-Centric Digital State
Kinanath said the summit reflects the government’s commitment to reshaping public services through technology, with an emphasis on creating systems that are data-driven and tailored to the needs of citizens.
He described the initiative as a step toward establishing a more responsive and efficient public sector capable of addressing the Maldives’ unique geographic and administrative challenges.
International Expertise Shared
The event also featured contributions from several international figures in digital governance and transformation, including:
- Iurie Țurcanu, former Deputy Prime Minister for Digitalization of Moldova
- Yoon Seok-ko, Vice President of South Korea’s National Information Society Agency
- Jessica McEvoy, former Programme Director at the UK Government Digital Service
Their participation brought insights from global digital transformation efforts and best practices.
Key Areas of Focus
Participants discussed several core pillars considered essential for the Maldives’ digital transformation, including:
- Strengthening governance and institutional coordination
- Establishing secure and interoperable data-sharing systems through a national data exchange platform
- Enhancing citizen-focused digital services
- Implementing digital identity systems and secure transactions
- Encouraging responsible adoption of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies
- Advancing action plans outlined in the Maldives 2.0 roadmap
Path Forward
Officials said the summit also provided an opportunity to explore the development of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), with participants sharing international case studies and strategies for implementation.
The Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology said the discussions will inform future policy decisions as the government continues efforts to build a digitally integrated state.
The conclusion of the summit marks what officials describe as a foundational step toward accelerating the Maldives’ transition to a more technology-driven governance model.
