President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu emphasized the importance of technology and intelligence for development.

He made the remarks while speaking at the first plenary session of the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4), where he presided the meeting as one of the Vice Presidents of the Conference.

Speaking at this meeting, President Muizzu said "the future is intelligence driven", and said his government is "investing in digital infrastructure and leveraging digital technologies" to enhance information, education, healthcare, and financial services - and ensuring these digital infrastructure and technological integration efforts are smart, safe, and resilient.

"These will also be the inherent features of our biggest-ever new eco city, Ras Male'," President Muizzu said.

"Ras Male' aims to alleviate our housing crisis, utilizing modular housing for the first time in the Maldives. It will be more climate friendly and energy efficient - ultimately reaching net-zero emissions."

He further noted that the first eco city will be "connected digitally as well as through a state-of-the-art transportation system, accessible for all."

"Ras Male' will open an era of prospertiy and development in the Maldives."

Maldives government is actively pushing for digital infrastructure initiatives and efforts in enhancing digital and technological innovations in both public and private sectors. One of the major initiatives under the digital roadmap of the Maldives state was the launch of 'oneGov', a cross-agency online suite featuring multiple government bodies with services featured for public access.