Maldives Minister Urges AI to Foster Intercultural Dialogue, Not Division

Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage Heena Waleed has called for the use of Artificial Intelligence to enhance human thinking and promote intercultural understanding rather than spread stereotypes and division. Speaking at the 7th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue in Baku, Azerbaijan, Minister Waleed emphasized the importance of making AI tools that respect cultural differences and foster mutual respect. She highlighted the risk of AI systems reinforcing biases and discrimination based on incomplete information and historical prejudices. The Minister urged international cooperation to prevent the spread of negative perceptions through AI. Referring to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s ‘Maldives 2.0’ vision and the 2040 development plan, she said technological progress should help build a conscious, participatory, and respectful society. She also stressed the need for equitable representation of all cultures and languages in digital systems, including the Dhivehi language, and called for collaboration among governments, tech developers, educational institutions, and civil society to shape a responsible digital future. The forum, held under the theme 'Dialogue for a Shared Future: Building Bridges in a Fractured World', runs until the 29th of the month.