Minister of Cities, Local Government, and Public Works Adam Shareef Umar has underscored the critical role of optimising communication facilities to alleviate the isolation experienced by islands across the nation. He made the remarks commemorating the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day.
Marking the occasion, Minister Adam emphasised the paramount importance of harnessing communication technologies for sustainable national development, particularly in countries with limited geographic expanse like the Maldives. Despite being classified as a developing nation, Minister Adam acknowledged that the Maldives grapples with challenges akin to those faced by least developed countries, citing the impediments posed by the dispersed nature of its small islands, which hinder the nation's overall progress.
Moreover, Minister Adam stressed the imperative of effectively leveraging communication advancements to mitigate island isolation. He highlighted the intertwined nature of the telecommunications industry with daily life, underscoring the necessity of maximizing its potential to overcome developmental hurdles. Notably, he pointed out the migration of numerous services to online platforms and the integration of artificial intelligence into various sectors.
While advocating for the prudent utilisation of technology, Minister Adam cautioned against potential adverse consequences and outlined ongoing initiatives to bolster communication infrastructure. These efforts include the installation of additional submarine fiber optic cables aimed at elevating global communication standards. Furthermore, he disclosed the ministry's commitment to advancing the telecommunications sector in line with the directives of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.