Maldives Urges Protection of Small Nations' Languages in AI Era at Baku Forum

Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage Heena Waleed has called for the inclusion and protection of small nations' languages in the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and the digital future. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 7th World Forum of Intercultural Dialogue in Baku, Azerbaijan, on October 27, 2026, Minister Waleed emphasized that AI and digital tools should advance human understanding, not automate biases. Highlighting the Maldives' perspective, she stated that any digital future must be inclusive, ensuring that even the smallest nations have the opportunity to shape technologies that impact their people, language, and cultural identity. She warned that biased AI systems, built on incomplete or skewed data, could spread misinformation and deepen societal divisions. Minister Waleed reaffirmed the Maldives' commitment to the 'Vision 2040' and 'Maldives 2.0' transformation agenda, which aim to balance technological progress with the protection of national identity, heritage, and cultural values. She stressed the need to equip young people with critical thinking skills to navigate AI-generated content, especially through schools and libraries. To address these challenges, the Minister called for stronger international collaboration among governments, tech developers, educational institutions, media, and civil society. She also announced that Maldives welcomes a pilot project focusing on Dhivehi language tools, responsible AI use, and youth engagement in cultural dialogue, which could provide valuable lessons for other small island nations.