President Muizzu highlights importance of enhancing integrity, accountability, and transparency in building a democratic state
5 އޯގަސްޓު 2026 | ބުދަ 10:57Speaking at the SIDS-SAI Symposium held in Ukulhas, the President emphasized that strengthening state institutions and ensuring accountability are the primary engines of national development. Highlighting the critical role of audit institutions in maintaining financial transparency, he urged for the modernization of administrative systems through digital integration. During the ceremony, the President also officially launched the Auditor General’s Office's new Strategic Plan.
President Muizzu delivers his remarks during a ceremony held in Ukulhas. | Presidents Office
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has emphasized the necessity of collective and sincere efforts to enhance integrity, accountability, and transparency. He highlighted that investing in innovation is crucial to ensuring more resilient states, robust democracies, healthy economies, and hopeful societies for future generations.
He made these remarks while speaking at the closing ceremony of the Small Island Developing States Supreme Audit Institutions (SIDS-SAI) Symposium and the opening of the INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI) Global Summit.
He stated that the foundation of true resilience lies in robust institutions, noting that such resilience is strengthened through responsible financial management and transparency, and sustained by public trust in the government. Consequently, he highlighted that the role of Supreme Audit Institutions has become more critical than ever.
He emphasized that every dollar contributed by citizens to the state treasury, as well as every dollar provided by development partners, must be spent strictly for its intended purpose. Noting that accountability is not merely an administrative responsibility, he stated that it is a strategic national asset and the primary engine of progress.
Highlighting the unique challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS), he noted that many of these nations are simultaneously managing debt while investing in their futures. He further emphasized that these countries are forced to respond to immediate emergencies while planning for long-term stability, all while striving to sustain economic growth and protect their most vulnerable communities.
He noted that despite international tensions and external pressures, the Maldives continues to meet its financial obligations while simultaneously investing in the nation's future.
Reflecting on the future of governance, he stated that digital transformation could provide solutions to the numerous challenges Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face due to their geography, isolation, and limited capacity. In this regard, he highlighted the Maldivian government's efforts to build a modern, citizen-centric digital state through the "Maldives 2.0" initiative. He further emphasized that technology is not merely an innovation agenda, but a vital tool that small islands can leverage for governance, development, and resilience.
During the ceremony, the President also officially launched the Auditor General’s Office Strategic Plan for 2026–2029.
The symposium was held in Ukulhas, North Ari Atoll—a destination renowned for its commitment to sustainability. Leading supreme audit institutions from various Small Island Developing States (SIDS) participated in the event to share expertise and discuss strategies for enhancing national capacities to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
