Maldives President Muizzu voices climate change concerns at Summit of the Future

At the summit of the future, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has expressed his concerns over climate change and the impact on his country. He said, "This is the biggest threat to the present and future generations."The Maldives, with its highest natural point just 5 metres above sea level, is extremely vulnerable to climate change. Rise ofsea level could threaten to submerge islands and also cause severe erosion.

The President pointedout, "The Maldives is committed to achieving a net-zero, climate resilient future. We’re doing our part. We urge all countries to do yours." In Small Island Developing States, extreme weather events have caused over 153 billion dollars of loss, in the last 50 years.

The President emphasised that it is time “for the multilateral system to produce tangible results” and for this, young people must be empowered. He explained his government's policy that “every young person has access to the latest technologies” and “digital innovation is the engine driving economic opportunity and social equity”.

The Maldives has been actively pursuing digitization efforts to enhance its governance, economy, and resilience against climate change. The country is upgrading its digital ID system as well.

During the address, the President also spoke on the West Asia crisis and the need to have “courage to halt the genocidal war in Gaza” and to “grant the State of Palestine, full membership of the United Nations.” The Maldives has consistently expressed strong solidarity with Palestinian cause.