Maldives becomes first South Asian nation to release AI readiness report
UNESCO-backed study assesses country’s preparedness for ethical, inclusive, and sustainable adoption of artificial intelligence
MALE, Maldives (MNTV) — The Maldives has released the first national report in South Asia evaluating its readiness to adopt artificial intelligence, positioning itself as an early mover in a region still grappling with the ethical, technological, and social implications of AI.
The report, developed over the past 10 months by a cross-sector steering committee in collaboration with the National Centre for Information Technology (NCIT) and UNESCO, was formally launched in the capital, Male.
According to PSM News, the launch event was attended by Dr Mohamed Kinaanath, State Minister for Homeland Security and Technology, and Tim Curtis, UNESCO’s South Asia Director.
Rather than serving as a government roadmap, the AI Readiness Assessment is meant to gauge the country’s current capabilities and identify areas requiring development. It addresses issues ranging from infrastructure and education to digital inclusion and the ethical use of emerging technologies.
Dr Kinaanath described the report as an “important baseline” for understanding how AI could be applied across sectors—from governance to public health—while warning that its deployment must be approached with caution. He emphasized that responsible AI adoption must prioritize dignity, human rights, and environmental sustainability, especially in smaller nations vulnerable to technological inequality.
The Maldives’ report aligns with the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, adopted in 2021 by 194 member states. That global framework calls for transparency, fairness, and accountability in AI systems, while discouraging surveillance-based or discriminatory technologies that could harm marginalized communities.
As AI becomes increasingly embedded in governance, finance, education, and climate responses, the report offers a timely contribution to regional debates over how countries with limited resources can benefit from innovation without exacerbating inequality.
While Maldives’ readiness may be in its early stages, the release of the report signals a desire to shape the national conversation around AI before external actors define its terms.
The next step, analysts say, is translating assessment into action—through policy, regulation, and public engagement that ensures AI serves people, not just systems.
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