President His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has highlighted the urgent need for a substantial new climate finance goal that truly reflects the scope of the climate crisis, stating that "the need is in trillions, not billions."
Delivering the Maldives' National Statement at the 29th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP29) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the President called on global leaders to boost financial commitments specifically for climate adaptation, mitigation, and addressing loss and damage, with a focus on the world’s most vulnerable nations.
In his address, President Muizzu underscored the Maldives’ unique challenges as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS). He remarked on the nation’s resilience but emphasized that insufficient financial support hinders the ambitions of countries like the Maldives. He urged for a revamped climate finance framework that prioritizes immediate needs while building future resilience, noting that the Maldives' environment and oceans are central to its identity and a "sacred duty" to protect.
Reflecting on the Maldives’ commitment to climate action, President Muizzu outlined recent advancements, including introducing a new Energy Policy, green food security and housing initiatives, and efforts to diversify the economy. He also announced plans for a 20-year vision to achieve a climate-resilient Maldives by 2040.
Closing his address, President Muizzu pressed global leaders to reconsider financial allocations, pointing out the disparity between funding for climate adaptation and other global expenditures. Committed to securing a strong financial outcome at COP29, he urged world leaders to "choose the path that changes lives, not the climate."
Delivering the Maldives' National Statement at the 29th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP29) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the President called on global leaders to boost financial commitments specifically for climate adaptation, mitigation, and addressing loss and damage, with a focus on the world’s most vulnerable nations.
In his address, President Muizzu underscored the Maldives’ unique challenges as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS). He remarked on the nation’s resilience but emphasized that insufficient financial support hinders the ambitions of countries like the Maldives. He urged for a revamped climate finance framework that prioritizes immediate needs while building future resilience, noting that the Maldives' environment and oceans are central to its identity and a "sacred duty" to protect.
Reflecting on the Maldives’ commitment to climate action, President Muizzu outlined recent advancements, including introducing a new Energy Policy, green food security and housing initiatives, and efforts to diversify the economy. He also announced plans for a 20-year vision to achieve a climate-resilient Maldives by 2040.
Closing his address, President Muizzu pressed global leaders to reconsider financial allocations, pointing out the disparity between funding for climate adaptation and other global expenditures. Committed to securing a strong financial outcome at COP29, he urged world leaders to "choose the path that changes lives, not the climate."
