First Lady Sajidha Mohamed has called on young people to take advantage of emerging technologies to develop ideas, solve problems and compete on a global stage, stressing that youth should play an active role in shaping the future rather than simply consuming technology.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the International Theveli Conference, the First Lady said advances in technology have significantly reduced the barriers created by geography, giving young Maldivians greater access to knowledge, international networks and new economic opportunities.
She said this transformation is particularly important for the Maldives, where communities are dispersed across numerous islands and physical distance has historically presented challenges in accessing services and opportunities.
Technology, she noted, is increasingly helping bridge those gaps by connecting island communities to information and education while allowing young people to share their ideas and solutions with audiences beyond the Maldives.
The First Lady described the Theveli Conference as more than an academic gathering, saying it has evolved into a platform where specialists from different fields and participants from around the world can exchange knowledge, experiences and new approaches to addressing contemporary challenges.
This year’s conference is being held under the theme, “Transformative Innovation in the Twenty-First Century: Science, Technology, and Society.”
Addressing the rapid pace of technological change, Sajidha pointed to developments in artificial intelligence, biotechnology and digital technologies as examples of advances that have created possibilities that would have been difficult to imagine a decade ago.
However, she stressed that technological advancement should ultimately be measured by the benefits it delivers to people and communities.
Innovation becomes meaningful when it improves children’s education, expands access to healthcare, creates opportunities for young people, protects the environment, strengthens communities and makes everyday life better for families, she said.
The First Lady also emphasised the importance of ensuring that technological progress remains inclusive and responsible.
“Technology must not leave anyone behind,” she said, calling for innovation to remain ethical, inclusive and grounded in human connection as artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies increasingly influence education, healthcare, government services and the economy.
Turning specifically to young people, Sajidha described them as the architects of the future and encouraged them to see themselves as innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs and problem solvers.
She urged young Maldivians to embrace the opportunities created by technological change, challenge existing ideas and continue searching for better solutions to the problems facing their communities and the wider world.
The International Theveli Conference provides a multidisciplinary platform for researchers, academics and professionals to exchange knowledge and examine emerging issues across science, technology and society. This year’s focus comes as the Maldives places greater emphasis on digital transformation and the use of technology to improve public services, economic opportunities and connectivity across the islands.
