At the COP29 climate conference, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu emphasized the urgent need to convert climate promises into concrete actions, particularly in addressing the unique vulnerabilities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Speaking at the SIDS Leaders’ Summit, President Muizzu stressed that without adequate financing, climate ambitions for these nations remain mere aspirations, as the current financial structures fail to address their immediate needs.
In his address, Dr. Muizzu underscored how climate change threatens decades of developmental progress in SIDS, highlighting that these nations have been vocal advocates for climate action for years. He proposed three primary calls to action to reshape climate financing and support for SIDS:
- Global Cooperation: Dr. Muizzu urged the United Nations, multilateral development banks, international financial institutions, and the private sector to collaborate on a unified response to the climate crisis, prioritizing SIDS’ needs.
- Innovative Financial Solutions: He advocated for new financing mechanisms that link debt forgiveness to climate resilience achievements, emphasizing that these efforts should enhance SIDS’ creditworthiness and reward their progress in sustainability.
- Realistic Climate Finance Goal: President Muizzu called on COP29 to set a new climate finance target that reflects the actual requirements of SIDS and to finalize discussions on international carbon market mechanisms.
He also shared some of the Maldives’ national efforts in climate-resilient urban planning, economic reform, and renewable energy, reflecting his administration’s commitment to sustainable development. Dr. Muizzu closed his speech by calling for solidarity and urging that global climate pledges be realized through immediate, practical actions.
