Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohamed Asim has stated that unpredictable weather, more frequent and intense natural disasters, unprecedented temperatures, are the norm rather than exception and emphasises tackling the challenges faced by Climate Change.
While speaking at the General Debate of the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly, the Foreign Minister emphasised on the importance of cooperation, partnership and leadership in tackling the challenges faced by Climate Change and reiterated the commitment of Maldives to continue its leadership and efforts on this regard. Foreign Minister Mohamed Asim also briefed on the work carried at the national level to transition to a low carbon economy and informed that the Maldives, as the Chair of AOSIS, and in collaboration with IRENA, has launched IRIE, which will facilitate support for Small Island States in their transition to renewable energy, and in achieving energy efficiency.
Minister Asim added that Maldives is looking at innovative approaches to fulfil the developmental needs of the people that do not compromise the needs of the planet. The Minister further underscored the importance of ocean conservation by using sustainable methods to utilize its resources.
In his speech, the Minister noted the sustainable pole-and-line fishing methods of Maldives as well as the numerous measures taken for ocean conservation and protection. The Maldives has recently assumed the Chairmanship of the Save Our Sharks Coalition.