The Maldives will assume a leadership role as co-chair of the Commonwealth Ministerial Meeting on Small States (CMMSS) in 2026, alongside the host nation of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). The decision was confirmed during the ongoing Ministerial Meeting on Small States, which is being held in the margins of CHOGM in Apia, Samoa.
As co-chair of the CMMSS, the Maldives will focus on advancing advocacy efforts for Small States, with particular emphasis on supporting the needs of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). This leadership position will further solidify the Maldives’ commitment to championing the interests of SIDS on the international stage.
At the current CMMSS, Foreign Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel engaged with his counterparts from other Small States to address critical issues, including economic vulnerability, climate action, and access to finance. Dr. Khaleel called for urgent financial reforms to better support Small States and urged for stronger commitments on climate finance in the lead-up to COP29. He also highlighted the need for improved access to financing and debt sustainability solutions, stressing the importance of initiatives such as the SIDS Debt Sustainability Support Service.
Dr. Khaleel emphasised that economic diversification is crucial for the long-term resilience of Small States, particularly in the face of global challenges. He reiterated the Maldives’ dedication to working alongside other Commonwealth nations to foster partnerships that promote sustainable development and resilience for these vulnerable nations.
The Commonwealth Ministerial Meeting on Small States, held on the sidelines of CHOGM, is an important forum for Foreign Ministers from Small States to collaborate on addressing shared challenges and enhancing their global influence. This year’s meeting was co-chaired by Samoa and Eswatini.
With the Maldives set to co-chair the CMMSS in 2026, the country is poised to continue its leadership on issues critical to the future of Small States in the Commonwealth and beyond.
