We must choose the path that changes lives, not the climate: President Dr. Muizzu at COP29
At the 29th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu delivered a stirring call for decisive action on climate finance.
Speaking at the plenary session in Azerbaijan on Tuesday, President Dr. Muizzu emphasized the need for a shift in global priorities, urging the world to choose solutions that improve lives rather than contribute to environmental degradation.
We must choose the path that changes lives, not the climate,
President Dr. Muizzu stated
Underscoring the importance of addressing the climate crisis through proactive, life-enhancing measures.
He criticized the imbalance in global spending, pointing out how funds flow more freely for war than for climate adaptation.
As we look around the globe, we see funds flowing freely to wage war, but scrutinized when it’s for climate adaptation. We need to reprioritize
He said
President Dr. Muizzu highlighted the vulnerability of small island states like the Maldives, which are at the forefront of climate impacts.
Despite this, he rejected the notion of fragility, presenting the Maldives as a symbol of resilience and determination.
We are a nation of extraordinary fortitude. Our story is not one of fragility, but a testament to resilience, leadership, and international cooperation
He remarked
The Maldives has long been a voice for climate action, and President Dr. Muizzu reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to sustainable development.
He outlined the country’s recent progress, including the launch of its Energy Policy and Roadmap aimed at promoting green initiatives in food security, affordable housing, and economic diversification.
Additionally, the Maldives is set to unveil a 20-year vision for a climate-resilient future by 2040.
However, Dr. Muizzu stressed that financial support is essential for realizing these ambitions.
It is the lack of finance that inhibits our ambitions
He added
Calling for the new climate finance goal to reflect the true scale of the crisis, he urged developed nations to increase their contributions and close the gaps in emissions and finance to align with the 1.5°C goal.
In a powerful conclusion, Dr. Muizzu challenged world leaders to prove that this COP will be different from the past, where promises were made but fell short.
28 COPs later, emissions still rise, finance falls short, and our hope fades; let us prove this time it will be different.
He concluded
President Dr. Muizzu’s address at COP29 underscores the Maldives’ leadership in the fight against climate change and calls for a global realignment of priorities to ensure a sustainable future for all.
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