Maldives launches AI assessment report after ten months of work

The Maldives has officially launched its Artificial Intelligence (AI) Readiness Assessment Report on Thursday, marking the culmination of ten months of collaborative effort. The report aims to guide the nation's approach to AI development and implementation.

The launch event was presided over by UNESCO South Asia Director Tim Curtis and Dr. Mohamed Kinaanath, Home Ministry State Minister and Head of the National Center for Information Technology (NCIT).

The comprehensive report was compiled by a steering committee representing diverse sectors, working in conjunction with the NCIT under the initiative of UNESCO. Its foundation lies in the 2021 UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, a framework ratified by 193 countries.

Key objectives of the report's framework include shaping AI practices in alignment with principles that ensure environmental and sustainable development while safeguarding human rights and dignity. It also emphasizes promoting the positive utilization of AI for the welfare and benefit of society, alongside encouraging the responsible and transparent protection of individuals' personal information.

During the ceremony, Dr. Kinaanath affirmed that the report will provide crucial support to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu in implementing robust policy, particularly anticipating an accelerated pace of development within the AI field. He extended gratitude to all contributors involved in the project.

Distinguished attendees at the ceremony included Inso Kim, Chief of Social and Human Sciences Sector, UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia, as well as various dignitaries from government ministries and technology sectors.