Home Minister Ali Ihusaan stated that artificial intelligence (AI) is not merely a symbolic endeavor but a crucial resource for addressing the genuine issues encountered by the citizens of nations such as the Maldives.

The minister spoke during the Maldives' national statement at the Global Dialogue on AI Governance in Geneva, Switzerland, emphasizing the efforts underway at the national level to enhance digital systems and public services.

Ihusaan mentioned that AI isn't a symbol of status for small island nations; rather, it's a practical tool to enhance service provision and equitably broaden opportunities. He emphasized that for the Maldives, the importance of AI is in its ability to address daily issues encountered by citizens.

He mentioned that according to the Maldives 2.0 roadmap, the nation is aiming for a transformation in public service provision utilizing AI, established on robust digital infrastructures, which encompass information security, cybersecurity, reliable data systems, and defined accountability.

The minister stated that inclusion starts with these fundamentals, and without them, AI may exacerbate inequality rather than alleviate it. He mentioned that guaranteeing equal access to services cannot happen without the accountable use of AI.

Ihusaan stated that the advancement of AI should be evaluated not by the complexity of cutting-edge systems, but by the quality of services provided to everyday individuals. He urged wealthy nations to create AI as a resource available to everyone, instead of one that serves only the most influential.

He mentioned that the Maldives has successfully finished its initial national AI readiness evaluation with UNESCO's support and has now launched the Maldives AI Lab, which serves as the nation’s National AI and Data Competency Centre.