DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION: THE MALDIVES' PATH TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND GLOBAL LEADERSHIP FOR SIDS

The Maldives, a geographically dispersed nation, has sought innovative solutions for access to services and infrastructure through digitalisation. The country has achieved nationwide 4G internet coverage, with a mobile connection rate of 158.5% and an internet penetration rate of 83.9%, and over 85% of the population has access to high-speed fibre connections. The onset of COVID-19 accelerated the shift towards digitalisation. The government has prioritised digital transformation as a cross-cutting accelerator for development.

The Digital Maldives for Adaptation, Decentralization, and Diversification Project is a national flagship initiative, aiming to build digital infrastructure for critical sectors such as healthcare, waste management and disaster response. The project launched a digital national identity system, enabling transactions across sectors and remote access to government services. Improved digital connectivity has enhanced distance learning and employment opportunities for the youth.

The current government outlined its digital vision in the 14-week plan and at the SIDS4 conference, where the President stated that “The Maldives is in the process of transforming into a digital economy”. The UN in Maldives supported the country to ensure that expertise from the UN development system were part of Maldives’ dialogues at the SIDS4. The UN in Maldives, in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, organised a high-level side event, "Maldives’ Ambition for Digital Transformation: Steering Towards an Intelligence-Driven and Resilient Future," which brought together experts, government officials, academia, civil society and the private sector.

The President of Maldives advocated for bridging the digital divide at the Summit of the Future, stressing the importance of empowering youth in the digital economy and setting an ambitious target for the digital economy to contribute up to 15% of the Maldives' GDP by 2030. The Maldives has positioned itself as a global voice for Small Island Developing States with digital transformation as a key for sustainable development