AI Should Improve Public Services for Citizens, Minister Ihusaan Tells Global Forum
AI should deliver better public services, says minister | Photo: Ministry of Homeland Security, Labour & Technology
Artificial intelligence should be judged by its ability to improve public services for ordinary citizens rather than the sophistication of the technology itself, Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology Ali Ihusaan has said.
Minister Ali Ihusaan delivered the Maldives’ national statement at the High Level Governmental Plenary Segment of the Global Dialogue on AI Governance in Geneva, emphasizing that AI must be a tool for inclusion, stronger public services and sustainable development. He reaffirmed… pic.twitter.com/EYeVHoN8Qiadvertisement
Speaking at the Global Dialogue on AI Governance in Geneva, Switzerland, Ihusaan said the development of artificial intelligence should not be limited to the world’s most technologically advanced nations. He called for AI systems to be developed in a way that is inclusive, accessible and beneficial to all countries.
He said the true measure of AI lies in the quality of services it delivers to the public. For countries such as the Maldives, he said, AI has the potential to help bridge the gap in access to government services between urban centres and remote islands.
The minister outlined the government’s Maldives 2.0 digital transformation initiative, which aims to modernise public service delivery through artificial intelligence. He said the programme is being built on data integrity, strong cybersecurity measures and transparent, responsible governance.
Ihusaan said AI is essential to improving equitable access to government services in an archipelagic nation such as the Maldives. He noted that the country has completed its first AI Readiness Assessment in collaboration with UNESCO and has also established a dedicated Maldives AI Lab.
Addressing the international forum, he identified three priorities for the future development of artificial intelligence. He called for greater investment in core AI infrastructure rather than only applications, sustainable development of AI-related human resources, and integrated data systems that enable information sharing across sectors.
The minister concluded by reaffirming the Maldives’ support for inclusive AI governance, stating that despite its small size, the country remains committed to promoting policies that safeguard the rights and interests of people worldwide.
