The Maldives has called for stronger international cooperation on climate action, with Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Ali Shareef urging countries to intensify collective efforts to address the global climate crisis.
Minister Shareef made the remarks at Türkiye’s Road to COP31: Resilient Cities high-level meeting, which brought together environmental leaders to discuss climate resilience, sustainable recovery and the challenges facing vulnerable countries.
During the meeting, Minister Shareef highlighted the need for urgent cooperation and practical solutions to respond to climate change. He also conveyed the Maldives’ support for global climate initiatives and Türkiye’s role in hosting the upcoming COP31 Summit.
The meeting also provided space for bilateral discussions on climate priorities. On the sidelines of the event, Minister Shareef met with Anaclaudia, Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlement Programme, UN-Habitat. The discussions focused on the inclusion of Maldives’ climate assistance proposals within the Adaptation Fund, as the country continues efforts to secure financing for adaptation and resilience measures.
Minister Shareef also met with Brunei’s Minister of Development, Muhammad Juanda. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation in priority areas ahead of the COP Summit, including areas where both countries could coordinate their positions on climate action.
In a separate meeting, Minister Shareef held discussions with Bangladesh’s Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Abdul Awal Mintoo. Their talks centred on regional cooperation to address climate and environmental risks, particularly the growing challenges faced by South Asian countries.
For the Maldives, the engagements reflect the continued importance of climate diplomacy in securing adaptation finance, strengthening regional partnerships and keeping the concerns of vulnerable nations within international climate discussions.
