Maldives Internet Governance Forum 2026 Urges Stronger Rules for Digital Transformation

Women in Tech Maldives and Villa College have launched the Maldives Internet Governance Forum 2026, a strategic gathering aimed at shaping the nation's digital future. Supported by the Internet Society Foundation and the Global Internet Governance Forum (IGF), the event brings together government officials, international organizations, and civil society to address the complexities of the evolving digital landscape. During the opening ceremony, UNDP Maldives Deputy Resident Representative Pek Chuan Gan acknowledged that while the Maldives has made significant strides in digital infrastructure, the next phase of growth requires more than just connectivity. Gan emphasized that the country now needs stricter regulatory frameworks, improved inter-institutional coordination, and broader public participation to ensure digital transformation is inclusive. According to Gan, mere access to the internet does not guarantee equitable participation. Many citizens still struggle with a lack of digital skills, high costs of access, and a deficit of trust in digital systems. She argued that true transformation must move beyond simply digitizing services and instead build a system that empowers all citizens to progress. Particular emphasis was placed on the necessity of including marginalized voices, including women, youth, island communities, and people requiring special assistance, in the digital conversation. While noting that artificial intelligence (AI) offers immense opportunities for education and the digital economy, Gan warned of the accompanying risks, such as cybersecurity threats, online harms, and the potential misuse of personal data. To mitigate these risks, the UNDP representative called for a collaborative effort between the government, academia, and the private sector to foster a safe and trusted digital environment. The forum features a comprehensive series of sessions covering the future of Maldivian telecommunications, data privacy, AI governance, and the responsible use of emerging technologies. These discussions are intended to provide policymakers and industry professionals with the insights needed to create a secure and accessible digital ecosystem for all Maldivians.