News Desk
NEW YORK — President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu delivered a powerful call to action at the United Nations, stressing the urgent need for global digital equity as part of the “Summit of the Future” discussions. Speaking as Co-Chair at the “Interactive Dialogue 3: Towards a Common Digital Future,” Muizzu highlighted the stark reality that one-third of the global population—predominantly in developing nations—lacks access to the internet, a barrier to both development and justice.
In a speech focused on actionable steps, Muizzu laid out three key priorities:
First, he championed youth empowerment, calling for initiatives that equip young people with the digital skills needed to thrive in a fast-evolving economy. He stressed the importance of re-skilling youth for local innovation, pointing to the potential of digital economies in driving economic diversification.
Second, Muizzu pressed for investment in digital infrastructure, emphasizing that achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development hinges on these advancements. He pointed to efforts already underway in the Maldives, where the National Centre for Information Technology is actively working to bolster the nation’s digital capacity.
Finally, he urged nations to prioritize safeguarding digital rights, citing challenges such as unauthorized access and data privacy. He noted that the Maldives had established the National Cybersecurity Agency to address these issues and protect consumers in the digital age.
Concluding his remarks, Muizzu reaffirmed the Maldives’ commitment to building an inclusive, resilient, and just digital world, underscoring the potential of the digital revolution to reshape the future for all.
The Summit of the Future presents a rare chance to bolster international cooperation on pressing global challenges, address shortcomings in governance, and renew commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals and the United Nations Charter. The high-level gathering aims to forge a new global consensus on how to build a better present and secure a more sustainable future.
Amid rising mistrust and reliance on outdated systems that fail to reflect the current political and economic landscape, effective global cooperation is becoming ever more crucial—yet increasingly elusive. The summit aspires to reinvigorate multilateralism to better meet these complex challenges and deliver meaningful improvements to people’s lives.
