Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Technology Aiminath Shauna has stated that climate change is not just an environmental issue, but it also threatens the economy and security. She made the remark while speaking at the ceremony held to inaugurate the first-ever ABU Media Summit on Climate Action and Disaster Prevention held in the Maldives.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Shauna said the Maldives is doing everything possible to minimise the effects of climate change. She stated building coastal protection infrastructure, developing desalination plants and flood mitigation measures, and rapidly transitioning to an economy fueled by sunlight are among the many efforts of the government. She highlighted the efforts made to phase out single-use plastic in the Maldives.
Furthermore, Minister Shauna said the people of Maldives are trying to mitigate the impact of climate change without waiting for the world to come to their rescue. She added it cannot be achieved by the Maldives alone, but rather require the collective effort of all countries. Noting that it will be a key moment in the decade when leaders meet at COP28 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), she assured the Maldives is ready to engage and take the chance to understand how to correct and renew ambition for enhanced climate action. Moreover, highlighting the representation of many countries at the summit, she said all countries share the same problem, whether from the Himalayas mountains or the land-locked central Asian region.
Hosted by Public Service Media (PSM), ABU’s member in the Maldives, and with the support of the government, the summit will focus on critical issues related to climate change and disaster prevention. It will emphasize the media’s role in addressing these challenges, particularly within ABU’s diverse membership. The summit will offer attendees the chance to interact with keynote speakers, participate in panel discussions and workshops, and network with like-minded professionals. The event is an exclusive opportunity to gain valuable insights into the most recent climate communication trends and best practices.