In his inaugural address at the High-level Segment of COP28, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, President of the Maldives, emphasized the urgent need for global cooperation to combat climate change. Speaking to an audience that included His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, President Muizzu expressed gratitude for the UAE's exceptional leadership and hospitality in hosting the conference.
Having recently taken office, Dr. Muizzu reiterated his commitment to prioritizing the national interests of the Maldives and ensuring a prosperous future for its citizens. He highlighted the critical role climate change plays, one that poses challenges beyond the control of his small island nation.
The President outlined key expectations for the COP28 negotiations. Firstly, he stressed the importance of the Global Stock take in committing to a plan that steers the world towards a 1.5-degree Celsius pathway, as stipulated in the Paris Agreement. He called for this framework to be grounded in equity and based on the best available scientific data while informing the next set of more ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Dr. Muizzu also urged for the closure of the climate finance gap, a consistent message that has been echoed in previous years. He called for new, adequate, and predictable financing to support ambitious climate action, with a particular focus on adaptation. He proposed a comprehensive reform of the global financial architecture, emphasizing the need to expedite access to funds and revise assessment criteria amidst rapidly changing climatic conditions.
In a positive development, President Muizzu welcomed the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund, thanking the UAE and other nations for their pledges. He expressed hope that the Fund would be accessible and responsive to the needs of island nations, which face immediate threats from climate change affecting their ecosystems and economies.
Looking ahead, he announced plans for the Maldives to significantly boost its renewable energy capabilities, targeting a rise from 4% to 33% in electricity demand met by renewables over the next five years. However, he acknowledged the need for at least $600 million in support to achieve these targets.
Additionally, he pledged to initiate a national project to plant five million trees as part of efforts to bolster island resilience against climate impacts.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Muizzu highlighted his responsibilities as both a father and a global leader, calling for collective action to secure a sustainable future for coming generations. He urged delegates to ensure that their discussions and actions during COP28 culminate in tangible outcomes that benefit both people and the planet.
The President concluded by appealing for a united effort to pave the way towards a brighter, more sustainable future for all.
