Parliamentarians Play Key Role in Defending Democracy, Says Speaker Abdul Raheem

Speaker of Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla has underscored the essential role parliamentarians must play in safeguarding democracy. His remarks were made during the 149th Assembly of the Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU), held in Geneva, Switzerland.

In his address, Speaker Abdul Raheem stressed that parliaments should balance technological innovation with robust regulatory frameworks to ensure democracy is preserved. He highlighted the dangers posed by misinformation and disinformation to democratic societies and emphasized the need for vigilance in the development of artificial intelligence (AI).

The Speaker called for the establishment of ethical frameworks to guide science, technology, and innovation, in line with the IPU's Charter on the Ethics of Science and Technology. He emphasized that these frameworks should uphold integrity and respect for human rights.

He also shared how the Maldives is integrating science and technology into its development strategies. Citing President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s pledge at COP28, Abdul Raheem reiterated the country’s commitment to generating 33% of its electricity through renewable energy within the next five years, alongside an ambitious campaign to plant five million trees.

The Speaker further noted that the Maldives Parliament was the first to fully transition online during the COVID-19 pandemic. He outlined the country's ongoing efforts to apply AI technology in sectors such as healthcare, education, environmental monitoring, erosion detection, and social welfare.

Concluding his speech, Speaker Abdul Raheem urged the international community to act against the genocide in Palestine, warning that such conflicts have widespread and long-lasting impacts.