Whilst speaking at the inauguration of the Theleveli International Conference 2026 held at Maldives National University on 18th August, First Lady, Sajidha Mohamed has expressed that true innovation begins where knowledge meets curiosity, thus is only meaningful only when it serves people. 

The First Lady goes on to explain that while tools, such as the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) enables the path to limitless possibilities, innovation cannot be an end in its own right.

The measure of technology, she has expressed, is not the fact that it can be built, but rather who it benefits, which leads to the outcome becoming truly transformative when curiosity turns towards socioeconomic development across the atolls of Maldives.

She further emphasized her point, for innovation to flourish, it must not be exclusive. Addressing the interests of women and young girls who garner love and passion for science and technology, she strongly assured that innovation does not have a gender, thus empowering them to shape the future on their own terms.

Moreover, she has stated that education must nurture creativity and critical thinking, as she described young people to be the architects of the future. 

She encourages students to become creators as opposed to passive consumers of technology, likewise she advised institutions to reward curiosity, as well as build the confidence for students to learn from potential failure, rather than be discouraged from it.

The First Lady has pressed researchers to take their work beyond academic halls, to real world challenges, reinstating that research is best judged by the lives it improves. In addition, she has called for closer collaboration between academia, policymakers, as well as industry, therefore new ideas reach the community they serve.

In closing, she has voiced her confidence in the conference fostering lasting partnerships, and inspiring homegrown innovation across Maldives.

During this event, organized by MNU under the theme ‘Transformative Innovation in the 21st Century: Science, Technology, and Society’ attended by Cabinet Ministers, the Chancellor, alongside Vice Chancellor of MNU, foreign dignitaries, academics, researchers, and students, the First Lady presented the ‘Theveli 2026 Awards’ to their recipients.