Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am honoured to be here today representing the Maldives, a nation that is embracing the digital revolution with open arms.
We believe in the power of technology as an enabler of rights and as a catalyst for economic prosperity. We are committed to ensuring that our citizens can connect virtually and take full advantage of the opportunities that the Internet provides. With 63 per cent of the population utilising the internet, the Maldives is one of the highest digitally connected countries in the South Asian region. We are also the first South Asian country to launch 5G commercially and now over 45 per cent of our population has access to this next-generation technology.
Excellencies,
In a country like the Maldives – that is made up of widely dispersed atolls and islands, with people living in 187 islands – digital connectivity has the potential to unlock and accelerate sustainable development. Recognising this, the administration of President Solih has given utmost importance to connecting the widely dispersed atolls and unlocking a world of digital possibilities. The Government has introduced and enhanced two digital platforms “eFaas” and “OneGov” which allow all residents to verify their identity and get access to the most essential public services from anywhere. This step has also left a significant impact on marginalized communities, as they are able to utilize these platforms from the comfort of their homes.
Most recently, a special platform “Gedhoruverin Portal” was designed to facilitate applications for land and flats being provided by the government to more than 43,000 residents living in the capital city of Male’. This platform eliminated the wastage of paper-based applications and people queuing in line for days.
Excellencies,
The importance of digitalization was felt the hardest during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the significant socio-economic challenges that we faced as a result of the pandemic, the Government ensured that basic services such as education and health services would not be disrupted. This was done by building up on previously established digitalisation efforts and also through the introduction of new initiatives.
During this period, classes were conducted by schools through e-learning platforms. Healthcare services continued through online consultations and banking services were provided through online transactions. The Supreme Court started conducting hearings online. The Family Court conducted marriages online. Government officials and private sector workers were able to transition to working from home with ease, due to the foundations of digitalisation which had been planted beforehand.
Excellencies,
Despite all these achievements we, as a small island nation have achieved, we recognize that there are challenges to digitalising the country. While efforts have been undertaken with Internet Service Providers on reducing costs and enhancing access, affordability and quality of Internet services remain issues, across our island nation. Only 51 per cent of households in atolls have access to good quality broadband internet service compared to 83 per cent in the capital.
Continuous investment is also being made in digital infrastructure and affordability. This includes the “Ocean Connect Maldives” project which connects the Maldives directly to an International Submarine Cable System for the first time. This project will reduce internet costs within the country by half, double the internet capacity, and ensure that all Maldivians can access a wide range of public- and private-sector services in a secure manner in line with SDG 10 of reducing inequalities.
Excellencies,
I want to take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to advancing digital transformation and contributing to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs through inclusive digital policies. I thank bilateral and multilateral partners that have supported the Maldives in these efforts. In the Maldives, we are seeing the benefits of a digitally inclusive world, especially in the context of a widely dispersed, small Island Developing State. We urge you to join us in this endeavour, where no one is left behind.
Let us all walk into the new digital age together.
I thank you.
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