The Maldives has presented its Third Climate Action Plan, reaffirming its commitment to global climate leadership. Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim stated that the plan reflects the country’s dedication to addressing climate change and strengthening its international standing.
Speaking at a workshop held to introduce the new plan, Minister Thoriq highlighted its significance in shaping the Maldives’ future. He noted that consultations were conducted across different regions of the country to ensure national and regional priorities were reflected in the strategy. The latest Climate Action Plan sets new targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions while incorporating strategies to further enhance climate resilience.
Under the Paris Agreement, signatories are required to submit updated action plans every five years. Despite being a low carbon-emitting nation, the Maldives has committed to ambitious targets in its latest plan, demonstrating what the Minister described as “proactive leadership” in tackling climate challenges.
The Ministry of Environment, which led the development of the plan, outlined key areas critical for its implementation. These include climate finance, technological advancements, capacity-building, gender, youth and children’s engagement, and climate education and advocacy. The workshop also provided insights into the work undertaken to draft the plan and discussions on securing the necessary resources for its success.
The Environment Ministry emphasised that international financial and technological support will be essential in meeting the plan’s objectives. It stated that global cooperation under frameworks such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement will be crucial in aligning the Maldives’ climate efforts with sustainable development goals.