Ref: 2025/PR/289
The Maldives, in partnership with Estonia, hosted a side event titled “Digital Transformation for Sustainable Development” on the margins of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, today.
During the side event, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Abdulla Khaleel, delivered keynote remarks highlighting how digital transformation can drive sustainable development. In his remarks, Minister Dr Khaleel invited governments, international organizations, and the private sector to invest in the Maldives. He also stated that the Maldives 2.0 Roadmap is designed to ensure that Maldives can adapt global best practices to its unique context.
A panel discussion followed, moderated by Joint Secretary Mariyam Midhfa Naeem at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The panelists included Yu Ping Chan, Head of Digital Partnerships and Engagement at United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Idah Z. Pswarayi-Riddihough, Global Director and Director of Strategy & Operations, Digital Vice Presidency at the World Bank Group, Minna-Liina Lind, Deputy Minister for Global Affairs of Estonia and Siyah Khaleel, Digital Transformation Strategist at the President’s Office of the Maldives. The panel explored the role of multilateral partnerships, shared best practices, and discussed what a sustainable digital future could look like.
The side event was organized in alignment with the Maldives’ national vision for development, which was announced by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu at the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu outlined the Government’s goal for the Maldives to become a fully developed nation by 2040. The side event therefore aimed to foster dialogue on how digitalization can be harnessed to accelerate economic growth, increase productivity, and position the Maldives’ digital economy to contribute up to 15% of GDP by 2030.
ENDS