The government will implement climate and environmental development projects with complete transparency and accountability, Special Envoy for Climate Change Ali Ashraf assured Monday.
The climate envoy made the commitment after inaugurating the Anti Corruption Conference hosted by the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) in collaboration with Transparency Maldives.
The theme of the 2024 conference is "Strengthening Climate Governance".
Speaking during the ceremony, Ali Ashraf said questions have been raised over the utilisation of climate adaptation funding provided to small island nations like the Maldives by various international organizations and developed countries.
He acknowledged the allegations of the misuse of such funds by governments.
In that regard, Ali Ashraf insisted that the current government will utilise such climate adaptation funding in a transparent manner, adding that projects will be implemented with complete transparency and accountability. The climate envoy assured that he would put in every effort to instil such a culture within the government.
"There are reports to be submitted to climate change treaties related to climate finance. Small island nations have been given concessions in submitting these reports. However, Maldives has submitted the biennial transparency report without waiting until the 11th hour,” he said.
Ali Ashraf further noted special measures being taken to disclose government expenditure on climate change and environmental issues, adding that any expense related to climate change would be specially highlighted in the state budget for next year.
Speaking during the ceremony, ACC president Adam Shamil said the most important step to prevent corruption is to instill integrity in young people, praising the current administration’s efforts to curb corruption.
"I really like the nationalism project launched by this government. I think it is very important to instil good qualities in the youth and build an honest generation. And the national development plan launched by the government is very important to curb corruption,” Shamil explained.
The Anti Corruption Conference held biennially, was first held in 2020 aiming to bring together various stakeholders to discuss, raise awareness and find solutions to combat corruption through extensive panels discussions and keynote speakers.