Jointly organised by the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development and Public Service Media, the summit operates under the theme 'Maldives 2.0: From Tradition to Tech' and is scheduled to run through 14 May at the Villa Nautica Maldives Resort. PSM news reported.
Ali Ihusaan, the Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology, inaugurated the event during a ceremony attended by government ministers, corporate executives, and broadcasting delegates from across the Asian region.
"This year’s summit theme, 'Maldives 2.0 - From Tradition to Tech', reflects not only a national ambition, but a broader vision for how nations can embrace digital transformation while remaining grounded in their identity, values, and heritage," Minister Ihusaan stated.
Under the leadership of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, the Maldives has embarked on an ambitious national digitalisation initiative known as 'Maldives 2.0', a transformative agenda aimed at modernising governance and building a smarter and more resilient nation, Ihusaan noted. He stated that the administration of President Muizzu remains committed to innovation suited to the unique geography of the Maldives, asserting that "our digital transformation is therefore not about replacing tradition." Instead, the minister said, the initiative uses technology to strengthen governance and empower communities "while protecting our national identity."
The future of the Maldives will be shaped by its youth, the minister stated, noting that the government is investing in digital skills to ensure young Maldivians are prepared to "participate confidently in the digital economy of the future." Addressing the role of the media, Minister Ihusaan warned that the digital age has brought "serious challenges: misinformation, disinformation, online manipulation, and declining public trust." He asserted that "responsible journalism has never been more important than it is today" and called for media ecosystems that are ethical and forward-looking to ensure that "technological advancement strengthens social cohesion rather than division."
The summit has attracted more than 300 delegates, with 80 per cent travelling from outside the Maldives. The agenda features eight plenary sessions and a ministerial dialogue dedicated to public media regulation, alongside workshops focused on the application of artificial intelligence in storytelling. The event, which includes the AIBD International Media Awards and a cultural exhibition, will conclude on 14 May with a specialised coral planting initiative in Kudagiri.
