President Calls for Stronger Integrity, Accountability and Transparency to Build Resilient States

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu called for continued investment in integrity, accountability, transparency, innovation and genuine partnership, stating that these principles will ensure future generations inherit more resilient states, stronger democracies, healthier economies and more hopeful societies.

He made the remarks while addressing the closing session of the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) Symposium and the opening of the INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI) Global Summit.

President Muizzu said climate change was an everyday reality for small island developing states such as the Maldives, affecting their economies, infrastructure, coastlines and communities. He said good governance must be a key strength in building resilience, with strong institutions, responsible fiscal management, transparency and public trust playing a central role.

“Today resilience cannot be measured by the height of our seawalls or the scales of our structures. True resilience is built upon strong institutions; it is reflected in responsible fiscal management. It is strengthened through transparency, and it is sustained by the trust the citizens place in their government,” he said.

President Dr @MMuizzu attends the closing ceremony of the Small Island Developing States-Supreme Audit Institutions (SIDS-SAIs) Symposium 2026 and the opening ceremony of the INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI) Global Summit in AA. Ukulhas.

Centred on “Strengthening… pic.twitter.com/BYOm0J5Uab— The President’s Office (@presidencymv) August 5, 2026

He said accountability was a national asset as governments and development partners invest heavily in climate adaptation, infrastructure, digital transformation and social development.

The President noted that many small island states face the challenge of investing in their future while managing debt, adding that the Maldives understood this challenge and had continued to honour its debt obligations while focusing on future development.

He also highlighted digital transformation as an opportunity to overcome challenges associated with geography, distance and limited capacity. He said the Maldives 2.0 vision reflected the government’s commitment to building a modern, citizen-centred digital state that could improve decision-making and transparency.

He said environmental challenges could not be separated from economic concerns and called for greater cooperation among small island developing states. He said sharing knowledge and experience, strengthening institutions and supporting one another would increase their collective ability to create meaningful change for their people.

At the ceremony, he also launched the Auditor General’s Office of Maldives’ Strategic Plan 2026–2029.

SIDS Audit Institutions Gather In Ukulhas

Held in Ukulhas, North Ari Atoll, an island recognised for its commitment to environmental sustainability, the SIDS SAIs Symposium brought together Supreme Audit Institutions from SIDS to share knowledge and strengthen capacity to support the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Auditor General Hussain Niyazy said the symposium brought together the heads of 11 supreme audit institutions, 46 international participants and 50 participants from the Maldives.

He described the symposium as an important platform for advancing the development of SIDS and stressed the role of auditing in addressing climate-related challenges.

Niyazy said small island nations face significant vulnerabilities and limited resources, making it essential to ensure available resources deliver maximum results. He said climate change was not a distant threat for SIDS but a present reality that threatens their coastlines.

He also said the Auditor General’s Office’s new strategic plan focuses on developing a modern and impactful supreme audit institution and addresses issues including public debt and climate change.

Niyazy said SIDS are often described as vulnerable countries, but their greatest strength lies not in the size of their land but in their people.

He added that the IDI Global Summit would provide further opportunities for learning, collaboration and collective progress.

IDI Director General Einar Gørrissen, speaking at the opening of the Global Summit, said the event would provide an opportunity for productive discussions over the following two days.

During his visit to Ukulhas, Muizzu is also scheduled to meet the Ukulhas Island Council and Women’s Development Committee. He will attend events related to government development projects and initiatives aimed at improving residents’ well-being.

President Muizzu arrived in Ukulhas this morning with First Lady Saajidha Mohamed.