President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has called for stronger participation of girls in shaping the Maldives’ digital future, highlighting their role in advancing technology and innovation.

In a message to celebrate International Girls in ICT Day, the President said the development of artificial intelligence (AI) must include the active involvement of girls, noting that their participation is essential not only for representation but also for ensuring fairness and inclusivity in emerging technologies. He added that AI has significant potential to improve key sectors such as governance, education and healthcare.

He said the Government’s Maldives 2.0 digital transformation initiative is focused on creating opportunities for girls in fields where women remain underrepresented, including robotics, AI and computer programming, while also working to reduce barriers that limit access to such sectors.

The President stressed that bridging the gender gap in technology is critical for national development, noting that girls should be supported to become innovators and developers, rather than solely users of technology.

Concluding his message, he called for greater international cooperation to advance the use of AI for development, expressing hope for a future where girls are empowered to take leading roles in shaping the global digital landscape.