The Maldives has joined the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works to strengthen copyright protection and support a more competitive economy. The accession was submitted to WIPO on 3 November and will take effect on 22 November, ensuring Maldivian creators receive the same international protection as artists from other member countries. This move safeguards the rights of local creators and supports President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s goal of raising the creative and digital sector’s share of GDP to 15 per cent by 2030.