President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu returned to Malé today after attending the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) in Antigua and Barbuda.

This visit marked the first Maldivian presidential participation in the conference in 30 years. The President played a prominent role, co-chairing the event and actively participating in discussions and high-level meetings.

During the conference, which is held every ten years, President Dr Muizzu called on the international community to honor its commitments and meet the unique financing needs of Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

He condemned the violence and aggression by Israel, urging SIDS leaders to stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine.

The President delivered seven keynote addresses over three days, demonstrating his strong leadership and commitment to the cause.

He presided over the conference as one of the Vice Presidents and co-chaired the first Interactive Dialogue on "Revitalizing SIDS' Economies." In his address at the High-Level Meeting on Resource Mobilization, he highlighted the financial challenges faced by SIDS and called for reforms in concessional lending by Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) and International Financial Institutions (IFIs).

President Dr Muizzu also proposed three key actions for SIDS economic growth at the GBN Forum Closing Ceremony: promoting investments in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), prioritizing inclusivity, and improving access to financing. Additionally, he emphasized the Maldives' digital transformation journey and called for international cooperation in events like "Smart Maldives: Journey towards a Digitally Inclusive Community."

The President's delegation included key figures such as Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer, Environment Minister Thoriq Ibrahim, and Housing Minister Ali Haidar Ahmed.

He engaged with global leaders, including

- UN Secretary-General H.E. António Guterres

- Seychelles President Wavel Ramkalawan

- Vice President of the European Investment Bank, Mr. Ambroise Fayolle

- Prime Minister of Samoa Fiamē Naomi Mata'afa

- Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne

- Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga, Siaosi'Ofakivahafolau Sovaleni

- Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Patricia Scotland KC

- Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth and Department of Environment of UK, Rt. Hon. Lord Richard Benyon

During the SIDS4 conference, the UNDP and GEF launched a $135 million initiative under the Blue and Green Island program to support urban development, food production, and tourism in SIDS, including the Maldives.

President Muizzu's participation and leadership at SIDS4 underscored his commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by Small Island Developing States and advocating for their economic resilience and sustainable development.