AI is an essential tool to solve public challenges, Minister Ihusaan tells global governance forum

Artificial intelligence (AI) is not a symbolic pursuit but an essential tool to solve the real problems faced by the people of countries like the Maldives, Home Minister Ali Ihusaan has said.

The minister made the remarks while delivering the Maldives’ national statement at the Global Dialogue on AI Governance in Geneva, Switzerland, where he highlighted the work being carried out at the national level to strengthen digital systems and public services.

Ihusaan said AI is not a matter of prestige for small island nations, but a practical instrument to improve service delivery and expand opportunities fairly. He stressed that for the Maldives, the value of AI lies in whether it helps solve everyday challenges faced by citizens.

He noted that under the Maldives 2.0 roadmap, the country is working toward a transformation in public service delivery using AI, built on strong digital foundations, including information security, cybersecurity, trusted data systems and clear accountability.

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/EYeVHoN8Qi

— Ministry of Homeland Security, Labour & Technology (@HomeMinistrymv) July 7, 2026

The minister said inclusion begins with these foundations, and without them, AI risks widening inequality instead of reducing it. He added that ensuring equal access to services is not possible without the responsible use of AI.

Ihusaan said the progress of AI should be measured not by the sophistication of advanced systems, but by the quality of services delivered to ordinary people. He urged developed countries to build AI as a tool accessible to all, rather than one that benefits only the most powerful.

He noted that the Maldives has already completed its first national AI readiness assessment in collaboration with UNESCO, and has now established the Maldives AI Lab, the country’s National AI and Data Competency Centre.