- The Maldives urged the UN to address the linked pressures of climate vulnerability and debt facing Small Island Developing States.
- Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef met UN Secretary-General António Guterres during the 81st UN General Assembly in New York.
- Talks covered climate resilience, debt sustainability, UN reform, the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda, and the situation in Palestine.
The Maldives has called for greater international attention to the linked pressures of climate vulnerability and debt faced by Small Island Developing States during talks with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.
Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef met Guterres on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he outlined the Maldives’ priorities for the session.
The Vice President said climate change continues to affect the country’s development and remains a daily reality for Maldivians. He also acknowledged the Secretary-General’s advocacy on climate action and challenges affecting Small Island Developing States.
Discussions covered climate resilience, debt sustainability and the implementation of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS. The Vice President also raised the need to advance the wider priorities of island states and reform the United Nations.
Guterres expressed solidarity with the Maldives over the effects of climate change and reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to pursuing more ambitious global climate action. He also indicated the organisation’s willingness to continue working with the Maldives to address climate-related challenges.
The two officials also exchanged views on regional and international developments, including the situation in Palestine.
