Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef has stressed that mitigating climate impacts and managing crises requires proactive leadership. He made the remark while delivering his keynote address at the Climate Change Forum on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit 2025.
Speaking at the forum, the Vice President emphasised that climate disasters do not wait for political negotiations, and that extreme weather events do not align with economic cycles, and rising temperatures do not recognise borders. He expressed it is time for major economies to align their actions, honour their climate commitments, and recognise that global stability relies on trust, not individual actions.
The Vice President further asserted climate considerations must now be central to every government decision. He emphasised the impact on the climate and environment should be the first question before making any decision, whether social, economic or financial. He further called on the international community not just for pledges but for action.
In his keynote address, the Vice President highlighted the challenges that the Maldives has faced recently due to climate change. He stated that addressing and mitigating these impacts is an immediate priority, and the people of the Maldives are taking decisive actions. He emphasised the ambitious goal President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced at COP28, which aims to generate 33 per cent of the country's electricity from renewable sources by 2028. He added through initiatives like the Energy Roadmap 2024 to 2033, the Maldives transitioning to renewables, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, and enhancing energy security.
The forum was attended by Amna Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment of United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Andonirina Fontaine, Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development of Madagascar alongside the Vice President. Vice President Hussain was accompanied by a high-level delegation of the Maldivian Government.