President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has called for urgent global action to address the challenges posed by sea level rise, during his address at the High-Level Meeting on Sea Level Rise, held at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Reflecting on the Maldives’ long-standing advocacy on the issue, President emphasized the grave threats climate change poses to small island nations like the Maldives, affecting their way of life, economy, and cultural heritage.

referencing the Male’ Declaration on Global Warming and Sea Level Rise.

This declaration recognized sea level rise as a global concern and called for urgent action to mitigate its damaging effects.

Today, President stressed, the emergency remains dire, with increasing weather disasters and economic risks linked to rising sea levels.

President Dr. Muizzu outlined three key actions that he believes are essential in addressing the crisis.

First, he called for a substantial increase in adaptation finance to assist vulnerable countries, stressing that current levels of support have not kept pace with the accelerating impacts of climate change.

He urged the international community to double adaptation financing and simplify access to these funds, stating that

Second, President Dr. Muizzu called for the immediate operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund, an initiative designed to provide financial assistance to countries most affected by climate disasters.

Third, he emphasized the importance of transferring technology to help vulnerable nations implement climate adaptation strategies.

President concluded by reminding the assembly of the Maldives’ own resilience, noting the flooding of the capital city, Malé, in 1987.

urging the global community to act swiftly to protect the future of small island states.

The Maldives’ statement was part of broader discussions during the UN High-Level Week, where world leaders gathered to address critical global challenges, including climate change and its far-reaching impacts.