President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu met with Mr. Jin Liqun, President and Chair of the Board of Directors of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), on the sidelines of COP29 today.

During the meeting, the President expressed gratitude for AIIB’s ongoing support, which has been instrumental for Maldivian development projects. He noted the Maldives’ ambitious long-term objectives, such as the 20-Year Development Master Plan, and emphasized the importance of continued AIIB support to achieve these goals and further advance climate adaptation initiatives.

Mr. Jin reiterated AIIB’s commitment to supporting the Maldives' sustainable development and resilience efforts.

In conclusion, the leaders discussed the importance of diversifying resources sustainably and agreed to enhance future cooperation in areas aligned with the Maldives’ climate and development goals.

President Muizzu at COP29

The President meets with the President and Chair of the Board of Directors of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) on the sidelines of COP29

President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu highlighted that the Maldives view early warning systems as an investment in livelihoods and prosperity, stating they are morally and economically essential. He made these remarks while speaking at the High-Level Event on Delivering Early Warnings for All and Addressing Extreme Heat at COP29, organized by the United Nations Secretary-General.

President Dr Muizzu highlighted the Maldives’ leadership as the first nation to develop a national strategic roadmap for early warning, reflecting the country's commitment to the Sendai Framework. The President noted that the country’s 20-year development plan will focus on climate resilience, disaster preparedness, and early warning.

The President outlined the Maldives' recent achievements, including a disaster loss database to track climate impacts and digital data collection for swift response. He stated the Government's priorities, including enhancing the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) and impact-based forecasting systems.

President Dr Muizzu called for international support and resources, particularly in marine forecasting, to strengthen the Maldives’ resilience against climate threats.

President states that early warning systems are an investment in livelihoods and prosperity

President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that ambitions without finances are only aspirations, and the current financial system fails to meet the urgent needs of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). He made these remarks at the Leaders’ Summit of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) on Climate Change, at the 29th Conference of Parties (COP29) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

President Dr Muizzu noted that climate change erodes years of development gains, and called for transformations. He made three calls for action to ensure current financial architecture meets the urgent needs of SIDS:

Unified global support from the UN, MDBs, international financial institutions, and the private sector.

New innovative financial solutions, linking debt forgiveness to climate resilience milestones, and rewarding efforts with redefined creditworthiness.

COP29 to establish a new climate finance goal reflecting actual needs and conclude discussions on international carbon market mechanism.

Speaking at the event, the President highlighted some of the transformational actions being taken by the Maldives, including economic, urban development, and electricity. He emphasized that SIDS have been advocating for climate action for decades, calling for solidarity and demanding words and promises be transformed into action.

President Dr Muizzu calls for promises to be transformed into tangible action, at the Leaders’ Summit of SIDS at COP29

President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu has described the International Zero Carbon Island initiative as a crucial step forward in the global push for climate action. He made these remarks at the launch event organized by Shandong Province, China, on the sidelines of the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

President Dr Muizzu acknowledged President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government's commitment to green and low-carbon development, as well as their continued support for the Maldives’ environmental efforts. He highlighted China’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, praising it as an inspiring example of leadership and commending China’s role in advancing global climate action.

The President emphasized that low-carbon development is a necessity, given the escalating impacts of climate change. He underscored the urgency of reducing emissions and protecting the environment, stressing that the Maldives and other vulnerable nations are determined to be active leaders in driving a sustainable future, rather than merely victims of climate change.

Highlighting the importance of multilateral cooperation, President Dr Muizzu stated that the Maldives’ participation in global forums serves as a reminder that small island nations are committed to shaping a sustainable and resilient future. He affirmed that the Maldives would take control of its own destiny by embracing leadership in climate action.

He expressed confidence that the forward-thinking, low-carbon policies implemented will provide valuable insights and serve as a model for the Maldives and other island nations striving for sustainability and resilience in the face of climate change. He stressed that climate action requires a collective effort and called on COP29 countries to come together to agree on a climate finance goal.

Following the event, President Dr Muizzu and H.E. Ding Xuexiang, Vice Premier of the People’s Republic of China had a brief meeting where they discussed further strengthening cooperation.

Low-carbon development is no longer a choice, but a necessity : President Dr Muizzu

On the sidelines of the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu met with Right Honourable Ramchandra Paudel, President of Nepal.

During the meeting, the President emphasised the strong connection between the Maldives and Nepal as neighbouring countries in South Asia. They discussed further strengthening cooperation in health sector.

The two leaders also expressed eagerness to support each other, with the goal of enhancing relations between the two countries.

They concluded the meeting around COP29, focusing on advancing climate action, including financing for developing countries.

The President meets with the President of Nepal, on the sidelines of COP29

The President called for COP29 to set a new climate finance goal and ensure those who are most vulnerable are not be left behind. He made these remarks at the High-Level Roundtable Enabling Climate Finance - The Make-or-Break Moment for Sustainable Future on slidelines of COP29.

In his address, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu highlighted the need for innovative approaches, including linking debt forgiveness to climate milestones. He called for a transformation of the global financial system to support climate resilience, noting that the vulnerabilities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) should not be seen as liabilities, but rather as opportunities for meaningful investment in shared global security. He emphasised the critical role of the private sector, which he said could unlock transformative potential with the right incentives, urging private lenders to partner with official creditors to offer favorable terms and extended maturities.

Speaking at the event, the President noted that the Maldives has transformed commitments to actions. He called to empower SIDS by linking debt forgiveness to climate milestones and providing private sector with incentives to empower SIDS.

“This is a make-or-break moment,” President Dr Muizzu said in his closing remarks. “Inaction, or even delayed action, is not an option for countries like mine. Let’s not break it; let’s make it—for the future.”

The high-level roundtable, part of the COP29 World Leaders Summit hosted by Azerbaijan, provided a forum for leaders, International Financial Institutions (IFIs), and Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) to explore meaningful progress on climate finance, with a focus on establishing the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) as a foundation for advancing the goals of the Paris Agreement.

President Dr Muizzu calls for new climate finance goal to support vulnerable nations at the High-Level Roundtable

President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu has underscored the urgent need for a new climate finance goal that aligns with the true scale of the climate crisis, asserting that “the need is in trillions, not billions.”

Delivering Maldives’ National Statement at the Plenary of 29th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP29) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the President called for increased global financial commitments to address climate adaptation, mitigation, and loss and damage, especially for vulnerable nations.

While highlighting the unique challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS), the President stated that Maldives is a nation of extraordinary fortitude. He further stated that it is lack of finance that inhibits the ambitions of SIDS like the Maldives and called for the updated climate finance framework to prioritize both current needs and future resilience. He reaffirmed the Maldives’ dedication to climate action, emphasizing that its environment and oceans are integral to the nation’s cultural identity and must be preserved as a “sacred duty.”

Reflecting on the Maldives’ role in climate advocacy, President Dr Muizzu noted the nation’s progress on sustainability, including a new Energy Policy, green initiatives for food security and housing, and economic diversification efforts. He also announced a forthcoming 20-year vision, setting a blueprint for a climate-resilient Maldives by 2040.

In closing, the President urged global leaders to reprioritize financial allocations, pointing out the disparity between funds allocated for climate adaptation and other global expenditures. Committed to securing a strong financial outcome at COP29, he called to “choose the path that changes lives, not the climate”.

The President calls to ‘choose the path that changes lives, not the climate’ at COP29

President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu had a meeting with His Excellency Sultan Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit in Riyadh today.

The discussions centered on expanding the scope of collaboration and fostering new avenues for partnerships between the Maldives and the Fund.

Their Excellencies reviewed the progress of ongoing key projects in the Maldives supported by the Saudi Fund for Development, including the expansion of Velana International Airport, other infrastructure and fisheries sector projects . Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the timely completion of these projects, underscoring their mutual dedication to driving impactful development outcomes.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to bolster cooperation further, reinforcing the strong ties between the Maldives and the Saudi Fund for Development as they work towards shared economic and developmental goals.

The President meets with CEO of Saudi Fund for Development

President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu has arrived in Baku, Azerbaijan, to participate in the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). COP29 will be held in Baku from 11th to 22nd November, 2024.

The President, accompanied by a high-level delegation, was warmly welcomed at Heydar Aliyev International Airport by senior Azerbaijani government officials.

The COP29 agenda focuses on establishing a new collective financial goal, strengthening international cooperation, and addressing challenges to the development of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

President Dr Muizzu arrived in Baku following an official visit to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, at the invitation of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. During his visit, he attended the Extraordinary Joint Arab-Islamic Summit, a session dedicated to addressing the escalating Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people.

The President and his delegation arrive in Baku, Azerbaijan for COP29

On the sidelines of the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu met with His Excellency Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of Bhutan. The leaders discussed their shared vision for COP29, focusing on climate action and mutual cooperation.

During the meeting the President emphasised the enduring partnership between Maldives and Bhutan, despite the geographical differences between the two nations. He highlighted that both countries face common threats from climate change, including the challenges of glacial melting and rising sea levels. The President commended Bhutan’s status as the world’s first carbon-negative country, recognising Bhutan’s innovative initiatives to address climate impacts. Both leaders agreed to collaborate to amplify their voices on climate issues, particularly in advocating for climate mitigation.

In response, Prime Minister Tobgay expressed enthusiasm for joint efforts, commending President Dr Muizzu’s leadership and commitment to addressing climate change. He shared some of Bhutan’s successful initiatives, underscoring the importance of countries taking greater responsibility for climate impacts. The Prime Minister of Bhutan noted the importance of collaboration among vulnerable nations to ensure stronger commitments from wealthier countries.

Concluding the meeting, the two leaders agreed to continue sharing expertise, exchanging best practices, and strengthening their partnership on climate resilience. They also discussed opportunities for further cooperation in investment and enhancing bilateral relations.

The President meets Prime Minister of Bhutan on the sidelines of COP29

President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu participated in the opening session of the World Leaders Climate Action Summit at the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

This year’s theme for COP29 is “In Solidarity For A Green World,”. COP29 offers a critical opportunity for the Maldives to spotlight its climate resilience initiatives and sustainable development goals.

President Dr Muizzu continues to advocate on the unique challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and has consistently raised awareness on climate issues impacting the Maldives.

This is the second COP of UNFCCC that the President is participating in since assuming office in November 2023. At COP28 in 2023, he outlined his vision for a climate-resilient Maldives, introducing an ambitious nationwide plan to plant five million trees and committing to generate 33% of the country’s electricity from renewable sources within five years.

The agenda at COP29 will address key priorities, including setting a new collective financial goal, strengthening international collaboration, and removing obstacles to the development of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

Ahead of the opening session, the President joined other global leaders for a group photo, symbolising unity in their efforts to address climate change. He is scheduled to deliver his national address later this afternoon, where he will further share Maldives’ climate goals and resilience strategies.

President Dr Muizzu attends opening Session of COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan

President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu has departed for Baku, Azerbaijan, to attend the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Accompanied by a high-level delegation, President Dr Muizzu will deliver the Maldives' National Statement and participate in various high-level events, discussions, and will hold bilateral meetings with other leaders.

COP29 provides a critical platform for the Maldives to showcase its sustainable development goals and climate resilience efforts. President Dr Muizzu has been a strong advocate for the unique challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS). 

COP29 will focus on finalising the new climate finance goal, discussions on operationalising the carbon market, strengthening cooperation, and addressing barriers to NDC development. The President is also set to participate in several high-level events and deliver remarks.

Before departing for COP29, President Dr Muizzu attended the Extraordinary Joint Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh, at the invitation of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud.