Maldives 2.0 Digital Transformation Will Expand Opportunities on Islands, President Says

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said that achieving the goals of Maldives 2.0 and advancing digital transformation will expand opportunities for citizens to access services and generate income while remaining on their home islands.

The President made the remarks in his address to mark Decentralisation Day today.

“As the Maldives 2.0 goals are reached and the advantages of a digital Maldives are realised, more opportunities will arise for Maldivians to remain on their islands, access services, and generate income,” he said.

In his address, the President extended Decentralisation Day greetings to citizens and public servants, and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening efforts to bring services closer to communities.

“I hope that with the upcoming local council elections, the role and responsibilities of local councils will be strengthened, and the hopes and aspirations of the people of the Maldives will be fulfilled,” he said.

The President noted that the Maldives’ dispersed island geography has historically required a decentralised approach to governance, as reflected in historical records. He added that the current Constitution provides further scope to strengthen decentralisation.

Highlighting progress over the past two years, he said the Government has expanded decentralised services by delegating additional powers to councils and increasing public trust. Measures include creating avenues for councils to generate income, adjusting salaries for council employees, and securing the formal status of Women’s Development Committees. The Government has also provided resources and constructed modern administrative buildings to support council operations.

The President said health, education and other social services have been expanded across the islands, with police services established on every island. Access to essential services such as ATMs, national identity cards and passports has also been extended to every atoll.

He further stated that infrastructure projects, including road development and harbour expansion, have progressed over the past two years, alongside efforts to complete water and sewerage systems in all inhabited islands. Consultations have also taken place nationwide in preparation for the National Development Master Plan.

Addressing broader national issues, the President said the Government is working to find lasting solutions to concerns such as undocumented migration, drug trafficking and gang-related crimes.