No Maldivian would willingly abandon their island; we will protect our islands: President Dr. Muizzu
No Maldivian would, willingly, abandon their homeland, their island. We are determined to protect our islands. And, Insha Allah, we will survive
declared President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu
during his powerful address at the UN High-Level Meeting on Sea Level Rise.
Speaking at Interactive Dialogue 3, which focused on Livelihoods, Socio-Economic Challenges, and Culture and Heritage, he underscored the urgent need to address the threats posed by rising sea levels, particularly for vulnerable coastal communities like the Maldives.
The President outlined the alarming reality faced by the nation, where
eighty percent of our islands stand less than one meter above the . encroaching tides. We’ve been sounding the alarm since 1987, yet the problem has only intensified
He stated
He highlighted that nearly half of the Maldivian population, along with many homes, are located within just 100 meters of the coastline.
During the plenary session, world leaders discussed the economic losses, threats to food and water security, and risks of forced migration associated with sea-level rise.
In this context, Dr. Muizzu reiterated the Maldives’ commitment to protecting its heritage and culture, urging delegates to recognize the multifaceted nature of the issue.
He emphasized three critical points for consideration:
He emphasized three critical points:
- Diversify economies- through international support to reduce emissions.
- Safeguard cultural identity- during economic resilience efforts, requiring robust policies and resources.
- Adopt a collaborative global approach- to address sea-level rise, ensuring affected communities are not left to bear the burden alone.
Safeguarding cultural identity requires more than words; it demands robust policies, resources, and resilient infrastructure
He stated
advocating for the empowerment of communities, particularly women and youth.
The President asserted that sea-level rise is a global issue, not one caused by any single country.
He called for decisive action, emphasizing that future generations expect empathy and innovation to secure their livelihoods and cultures.
He concluded with a caution that if the meeting does not yield tangible outcomes, the purpose must be questioned
If we leave without tangible outcomes today, we must ask ourselves: Why are we even here?
He questioned
His remarks highlight the urgent need for collective action and innovation to safeguard island nations like the Maldives from climate change threats.
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