Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef departed for Hawaii on Thursday for an official visit at the invitation of the Blue Planet Alliance, marking a significant milestone in the Maldives' commitment to advancing renewable energy and strengthening international collaboration.
The visit will see the formal accession of the Maldives to the Blue Planet Alliance, a global initiative dedicated to accelerating the transition to renewable energy, particularly in island nations. As part of his engagement, Vice President Latheef is set to deliver a keynote address at the Fellowship Programme, a platform bringing together policy experts, utility executives, civil society leaders, and climate advocates. High-level discussions on sustainable energy development are also on his agenda, according to a statement by the President's Office.
Taking place in Honolulu from 18 to 23 May, the Fellowship Programme focuses on addressing the unique challenges Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face in implementing renewable energy technologies. This marks the fourth iteration of the programme. Senior government officials and representatives from civil society organisations in the Maldives are among those attending.
The Blue Planet Alliance has played a pivotal role in supporting the energy transition of island nations. Through capacity-building efforts and financial partnerships, it facilitates investments in sustainable technologies, ensuring long-term viability for renewable energy solutions.
For the Maldives, accelerating the shift to renewable energy remains a national priority. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has pledged that by 2028, 33 percent of the country's electricity will be sourced from renewables, reinforcing the government's commitment to sustainability. Implementation of this vision is already underway, with a comprehensive roadmap guiding the transition. Current figures show 68 MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity has been installed, and additional projects are progressing.