The Maldives has welcomed the adoption of the United Nations (UN) resolution to request an advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the obligations of states in respect of climate change. The remark was made in a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In the statement, the Maldives congratulated Prime Minister of Vanuatu Ishmael Kalsakau and members of the core group for their initiative towards the historic adoption of the consensus resolution. The Maldives is among the 132 co-sponsors of the resolution.
The Maldives stated that the resolution presents a defining moment for multilateralism and climate action as the consequent advisory opinion from the ICJ is expected to provide a better understanding and much-needed clarification of the legal implications of climate change under international law on existing international legal obligations. Such an advisory opinion would assist the UN and its member states to take bolder and stronger climate action. It is also an important step in the fight for climate justice, especially for climate-vulnerable countries and small island developing states.
The Maldives has continuously been a strong supporter of international initiatives that contribute towards the fight against climate change. The support for more ambitious climate action is a strong pillar of the administration’s foreign policy.