The Maldives Internet Governance Forum 2026 has officially begun, with Women in Tech Maldives and Villa College jointly conducting the forum.
The forum is being held with support from the Internet Society Foundation and the Global Internet Governance Forum (IGF). The day-long event features key discussions and information-sharing sessions across different areas, alongside activities involving various stakeholders in the sector.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Maldives Deputy Resident Representative Pek Chuan Gan said the Maldives has made significant progress in digital infrastructure and service delivery. However, she said the next phase of digital transformation requires stricter rules and frameworks, closer coordination among institutions and greater public participation.
Deputy Resident Representative Pek Chuan said internet connectivity remains essential, but connectivity alone cannot ensure participation for everyone. Even when people have access to the internet, they may lack the skills, affordability and trust needed to benefit fully from it.
She said digital transformation must therefore go beyond simply bringing services online and create a system that enables people to participate and progress.
Deputy Resident Representative Pek Chuan also highlighted the importance of ensuring that the voices of women, young people, people requiring special assistance and island communities are heard in the process. She said modern technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) are opening opportunities in public services, education and the digital economy.
At the same time, Deputy Resident Representative Pek Chuan said these opportunities bring challenges, including cybersecurity risks, online harms and the misuse of personal information. She called on the Government, private sector, civil society organisations, academia and young people to work together to build a safe and trusted digital environment.
This year's forum includes a series of sessions presented by Government institutions, international organisations, civil society organisations, educational institutions and experts in the field.
The discussions cover the future of telecommunications in the Maldives, data protection and the privacy of personal information, online safety, AI governance and risk mitigation, accessible digital services and the responsible use of emerging technologies.
The discussions will contribute to shaping the Maldives' digital future. Members of the public, policymakers, industry professionals, academics and members of civil society organisations have been invited to participate and share their views.