Vice President of the Maldives, Uz. Hussain Mohamed Latheef, delivered a compelling address at the Honolulu International Forum (HIF), underscoring the Maldives’ unwavering commitment to sustainable ocean stewardship while calling for urgent reforms in the global climate finance system.
Speaking at the high-profile event hosted by the Pacific Forum—a respected think tank marking over 50 years of strategic dialogue in the Indo-Pacific—the Vice President commended the organisation’s role in fostering regional policy cooperation. He used the platform to spotlight the existential threats facing the Maldives due to climate change, from coral bleaching and storm surges to rising sea levels.
“Our nation’s identity and future are tied to the ocean,” Vice President Latheef stated, emphasising the Maldives’ vulnerability as a low-lying island nation. “Despite our size, we are resolute in our pursuit of a sustainable Blue Economy.”
He elaborated on national initiatives that reflect this commitment, including sustainable fisheries management, marine conservation projects, and ecosystem-based approaches to coastal protection. However, the Vice President cautioned that such efforts require robust and reliable financial support—particularly climate finance tailored to the unique challenges of small island developing states (SIDS).
Criticising conventional development metrics, he called for a departure from GDP-based eligibility criteria for climate funding. “We need a new framework—one that acknowledges our vulnerabilities, not just our income levels,” he said, urging the global community to explore innovative mechanisms such as concessional financing tools and climate-linked debt instruments.
Latheef emphasised that the success of the Maldives’ environmental strategies hinges on international collaboration and access to equitable financial resources. He described climate finance and the Blue Economy as inextricably linked, calling for global solidarity to protect livelihoods, cultural heritage, and the long-term resilience of island nations.
The Vice President’s participation in the HIF marks a significant moment for the Maldives on the international stage, reinforcing its advocacy for ocean sustainability and climate justice.
The Honolulu International Forum is a monthly platform that convenes experts, decision-makers, and thought leaders from across the Indo-Pacific to discuss pressing geopolitical, economic, and security concerns.
