Maldives has become the first country in the region to compile and launch an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Readiness Assessment Report.
The report was launched by the Minister of State for Homeland Security and Technology and the Head of the National Centre for Information Technology (NCIT), Dr Mohamed Kinaanath and the Director, UNESCO, South Asia, Tim Curtis during a ceremony held at the Islamic Centre in Male’.
This report has been compiled on the efforts over the past 10 months of a steering committee comprising representatives of various sectors in collaboration with NCIT and UNESCO.
Speaking to PSM News on the report, Dr Kinaanath described the initiative as a major step forward in the field of technology for the Maldives, adding that it aligns with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s ‘Maldives 2.0’ vision.
"Overall, I think this report is very positive. Among the things that are mentioned in it is that Maldives is very much ready for AI. So I believe that a lot of work can be done through AI in the future," he said.
In addition, Dr Kinaanath said the purpose of such a report is to ensure that the world's fastest growing artificial intelligence has equitable and sustainable benefits for the whole world. The report will also identify the extent to which Maldives is prepared to use technology in a manner that does not harm human dignity, he added.
He pointed out that Maldives is the first country in the South Asian region to compile an AI Readiness Assessment Report.
The UNESCO Recommendation, adopted in 2021 by 194 Member States, is the first global standard-setting instrument focused on the ethical dimensions of AI. It encourages the development of AI technologies that are transparent, fair, and accountable, ensuring that they contribute to societal well-being while safeguarding human rights, social inclusion, and sustainability.