Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim has said the Maldives stands to benefit significantly from discussions held at the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference, particularly in advancing the sustainable use of the country’s marine resources.
Speaking to the media following the conclusion of the five-day summit in Nice, Minister Thoriq emphasized that the event served as a valuable platform for reinforcing the Maldives’ commitment to ocean conservation and responsible marine resource management.
“The conference provided a critical opportunity to strengthen our strategy for sustainable marine resource use,” he said. “We held meaningful discussions with international stakeholders and explored long-term solutions to the challenges facing Maldivian waters.”
A key highlight of the Maldives’ participation was a dedicated side event led by the country, which focused on issues unique to small island nations like the Maldives. Minister Thoriq noted that the session was well received and laid the groundwork for future collaboration.
“We brought attention to the unique pressures on our marine environment and exchanged ideas with global experts. We believe this will contribute meaningfully to the protection and sustainable management of our ocean spaces,” he said.
The Minister also drew attention to progress made at the global level during the conference. He welcomed the growing support for the Convention on the Protection of Marine Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction—a landmark treaty aimed at safeguarding biodiversity in areas of the ocean that lie outside national boundaries.
“The Maldives was among the early signatories of the Convention,” Thoriq said. “Now, 50 countries have signed on. We’re hoping to reach 60 signatories by the end of this year so that implementation can begin.”
He described the overall outcomes of the conference as “highly productive,” citing the international community’s increased willingness to support vulnerable nations in their conservation efforts.
Minister Thoriq attended the conference alongside the Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, Ahmed Shiyam. The biennial United Nations Ocean Conference, held this year from June 9 to 13, gathered world leaders, scientists, and environmental advocates to address critical issues affecting global ocean health.
The 2025 edition of the conference included thematic panels across ten key areas, ranging from marine biodiversity and sustainable fisheries to climate resilience and blue economy development.
As the Maldives continues to position itself as a global advocate for ocean conservation, officials say insights and partnerships formed at the conference will help shape the nation’s environmental policy in the years ahead.
