Foreign Minister Dr Abdulla Khaleel has urged UN member states to ensure artificial intelligence remains a force for peace, equity, and human dignity, calling it “a vital tool for survival and prosperity” for Small Island Developing States (SIDs).

Speaking at the session on Artificial Intelligence and International Peace and Security, convened under the Republic of Korea’s presidency, Dr Khaleel stated that AI can advance climate resilience, education, healthcare, and economic diversification. He cautioned, however, that unchecked use could enable surveillance, repression, and armed conflict.

Highlighting the Maldives 2.0 national digital transformation strategy, the Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to placing people at the centre of innovation and development.

He called on UN Member States to ensure AI becomes a force for peace, equity, and human dignity, noting that its rapid growth is reshaping the global power balance by giving even small nations significant capabilities.