Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef has urged global leaders to take decisive action on climate change, warning that intensifying disasters do not wait for political negotiations. Speaking at the Climate Change Forum on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit 2025, he emphasised the urgent need for proactive leadership and global cooperation to address the climate crisis.
In his keynote address, the Vice President stated that climate-related disasters have become increasingly frequent and severe, affecting countries regardless of economic status or geographical boundaries. He stressed that climate considerations must be central to every government decision, with the impact on the environment being the first factor considered in policymaking.
Vice President Latheef highlighted the Maldives’ vulnerability to climate change, referencing the recent extreme weather events in the country. He recalled how the capital, Malé, was flooded within hours due to unprecedented rainfall, displacing families, disrupting businesses, and turning roads into rivers. He also noted that in April 2024, the Maldives recorded an extreme heatwave of 48°C, the highest in its history. These events, he said, illustrate the growing urgency of climate action.
Despite these challenges, he affirmed that the Maldives remains resilient and committed to addressing climate change through adaptation and mitigation strategies. He reiterated President Mohamed Muizzu’s pledge at COP28, where he announced the ambitious goal of generating 33% of the country’s electricity from renewable sources by 2028. He pointed to initiatives such as the Energy Roadmap 2024 to 2033, which aims to transition the Maldives towards renewable energy, reduce fossil fuel dependency, and enhance energy security.
The Vice President called on major economies to align their actions with their climate commitments, warning that global stability depends on collective trust rather than individual efforts. He urged the international community to move beyond pledges and towards concrete action, reinforcing the Maldives’ stance that addressing climate change requires strong multilateral cooperation.
The forum was attended by Amna Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment of the UAE, and Max Andonirina Fontaine, Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development of Madagascar. The Vice President was accompanied by a high-level Maldivian government delegation.Concluding his address, Vice President Latheef warned that the decisions made today will determine whether humanity shapes the future or the future shapes us. He urged world leaders to act immediately, stating: “Let us act now!”
