UN reaffirms commitment to supporting Maldives address climate change impacts

The United Nations (UN) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Maldives in addressing the impacts of climate change.

Maldivian Vice President met with UN Secretary General António Guterres on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81) in New York.

During the meeting, the Vice President emphasized that climate change is a reality confronting the Maldives on a daily basis and continues to have an impact on the country's development. He also expressed appreciation to the Secretary General for his continued advocacy on climate change and issues affecting Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

The Vice President also outlined the Maldives' key priorities at the Assembly, including strengthening climate resilience, ensuring debt sustainability, advancing the implementation of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS), addressing SIDS priorities, and pursuing reform of the United Nations.

In response, the Secretary General expressed solidarity with the Maldives and acknowledged the specific challenges the country faces as a result of climate change. He reaffirmed the UN's commitment to promoting more ambitious global climate action and working with the Maldives to address the impacts of climate change. The two leaders also discussed recent developments of concern across the region, particularly the situation in Palestine.