The Maldives hosted a high-level side event titled “Decade of Paris Agreement: The Maldives’ Climate Action and Partnerships for Resilience” during the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. The gathering brought together government representatives, development partners, and international experts to reflect on the country’s climate journey and highlight progress since the adoption of the Paris Agreement.
The session was opened by Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim, who outlined the evolution of the Maldives’ climate policy over the past decade. He noted the submission of the Maldives’ third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) in February 2025, which sets out a conditional target of reducing 1.52 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions by 2035. The updated contribution also presents strategies to strengthen resilience in critical sectors including energy, transport, and waste.
A panel discussion moderated by Dr. Pablo Viera, Global Director of the NDC Partnership Support Unit, brought together senior representatives from Japan, Italy, the UN, UNEP, and the Green Climate Fund. The panellists shared lessons from existing partnerships, discussed the role of finance and technology transfer, and examined how cooperation could be enhanced to support small island developing states.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abdulla Khaleel delivered the closing remarks. He underscored that partnerships remain central to the Maldives’ climate progress, turning the Paris Agreement into concrete action. He stressed that the delivery of NDC 3.0 depends on predictable finance, technology transfer, and capacity-building support, while calling for renewed international solidarity to ensure the coming decade focuses on implementation.
The event also highlighted the Maldives’ leadership as Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) during the Paris Agreement negotiations, reaffirming the importance of collaboration in advancing climate resilience and equitable outcomes for vulnerable nations.
