Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Ali Shareef has called on businesses to invest in modern solutions to address climate change and improve energy efficiency.
The Minister made the remarks while speaking at the official launch of the nationwide campaign “It’s Cool at 25”, which aims to promote energy conservation across the Maldives. The event was also attended by Minister of Education, Higher Education and Skills Development Ismail Shafeeu, along with senior officials from the Environment Ministry.
Minister Ali Shareef stated that the purpose of the campaign is to encourage the adoption of efficient energy practices, reduce harmful emissions released into the atmosphere, and ensure a sustainable future for future generations. He highlighted that the Maldives does not have its own fossil fuel resources and remains heavily dependent on imported fuel. As a result, a significant portion of national expenditure is allocated to fuel imports, with around 10 per cent of national income spent for this purpose last year alone.
The Minister emphasised that this is not a challenge the government can address alone, and that a collective effort is required. He called on institutions to increase awareness and urged the wider society to take responsibility in energy use. In particular, he appealed to businesses to invest in modern technologies and adopt more efficient energy practices.
He further noted that energy is closely linked to all aspects of daily life, including transport, healthcare, education, industry, and construction. As most electricity in the Maldives is generated using imported diesel, fluctuations in global oil prices have a direct and significant impact on the country. Therefore, reducing energy waste is not only important but essential for national security, economic stability, and sustainable development.
Speaking at the same event, Minister of Education, Higher Education and Skills Development, Dr Ismail Shafeeu said that education is not limited to teaching a curriculum, but also involves instilling good habits, skills, respect, and responsible behaviour in students. He highlighted the important role of teachers and school leaders in building a disciplined and environmentally conscious society.
The campaign also includes efforts to reduce electricity consumption in schools, provide guidance on maintaining air conditioning systems efficiently, and raise awareness from an early age. The Minister stressed the importance of strengthening these practices within schools.
The “It’s Cool at 25” campaign aims to encourage households, businesses, and government institutions to reduce energy consumption and adopt environmentally friendly technologies. It also promotes the “Hakathari” programme, which introduces energy efficiency standards in the Maldives. Through its star rating system, consumers will be able to identify appliances that use less electricity, making it easier to choose energy-efficient products.