Maldives Finance Minister Hassan Zareer has called for green financing to deliver practical improvements in climate resilience and economic security, saying success must be measured by investments and their outcomes rather than policy frameworks alone.
Speaking at the Maldives Finance Forum, Zareer said sustainable investment should strengthen communities, improve infrastructure and reduce the country’s dependence on imported fuel.
Our success must be measured not by the framework we establish, but by the investments we deliver and the results they create
Minister Zareer warned that climate change posed a direct threat to the Maldives’ economic security, development ambitions and livelihoods.
Protecting the country’s natural assets, he said, was therefore not only an environmental responsibility but an economic and financial necessity.
He identified renewable energy, water security, coastal protection, infrastructure and essential public services as areas requiring sustained investment.
While public funding, international grants and concessional financing would remain vital, he said private capital and long-term institutional investment must also play a greater role.
For a small economy like ours, we cannot deliver all the transformative developments we need through government resources and domestic investments alone. We need international capital, expertise, and partnership
The minister highlighted the government’s target of meeting 33 per cent of electricity demand through renewable energy by 2028, describing reduced dependence on imported fuel as both an environmental and economic priority.
He said the government was advancing its efforts through the National Sustainable Finance Roadmap and the National Financial Inclusion Strategy.
He also welcomed the Maldives Finance and Leasing Company’s accreditation as the country’s first national direct-access entity to the Green Climate Fund, describing it as an important milestone in accessing international climate financing.
Minister Zareer pointed to sustainable township provisions under the Special Economic Zone framework and the Maldives Waterfront and Marina Project in Rasmale as opportunities to attract investment, diversify tourism and create jobs.
Our focus must be on welcoming responsible investments while ensuring transparency, environmental safeguards, and lasting national benefits
Turning those opportunities into bankable projects would require stronger financial disclosure and suitable financing instruments, he said.
Insurance, guarantees and blended finance could also help manage risks and attract private investors.
Minister urged banks to develop innovative financial products, businesses to submit viable proposals and development partners to provide financing, expertise and risk-sharing support.
Linking these efforts to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s Vision 2040, he said climate resilience must be built into development and financing strategies without imposing unsustainable debt burdens on future generations.
We must move from commitments to investments, and from investments to implementation
The Maldives Finance Forum brought together representatives from government, financial institutions, businesses and development partners to discuss green finance, sustainable investment and financial security. Organised by the Maldives Pension Office with UNDP Maldives and other partners, the forum focused on how financing and investment can support a more resilient Maldivian economy.
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