Vice President of the Maldives Abdulla Jihad has stated that it is incumbent for all countries to make sure that the Paris Agreement succeeds and emphasised on fully implementing the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The Vice President made the remarks while speaking at the High-level Meeting of the Initiative for Renewable Island Energy (IRIE).
Speaking as the chief guest of the High-level Meeting of the Initiative for Renewable Island Energy (IRIE) hosted by Maldives, Vice President Abdullah Jihad said that the government of Maldives is honored to host small island states to discuss the pertinent issues, in solidarity with a common purpose one in which all have a stake and the hope of a better tomorrow.
During his speech, the Vice President referred to how the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) was formed and noted that there would be no Paris agreement if it were not for the efforts of AOSIS. Vice President Jihad noted that it is more important than ever to ensure the Paris Agreement succeed. Furthermore, the Vice President spoke on the commitment of Maldives to address climate change, noting that it is a top development priority. He said Maldives is implementing the most ambitious plan to meet 30 percent of the daily power demand by renewable energy.
Speaking at the High-level Meeting of IRIE, Minister of Environment and Energy Thoriq Ibrahim said that AOSIS worked hard to negotiate the Paris Agreement, and to ensure that it enshrines a global goal to limit warming to 1.5 degrees. The Maldivian Environment Minister said AOSIS member states demonstrate enthusiasm to contribute to reach the goal, and are amongst the first to submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Minister Thoriq called on the historical emitter to raise ambition and reduce CO2 emissions in order to achieve the objectives of Paris Agreement, citing that Small Island Developing States (SIDS) cannot achieve the goal alone.
Speaking at the meeting, Minister Thoriq said IRIE aims to help accelerate implantation of NDCs in SIDS. The Minister noted the efforts with a wide array of regional and international partners and targets to contribute to SIDS initiatives in the international arena. He said IRIE would also contribute to achieving 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as well as the SAMOA pathway.
Minister Thoriq expressed hope that by coordinating with developmental partners, IRIE will achieve its target of mobilising resources for SIDS to tackle climate change, effectively and sustainably direct more technical support, work with donors and partners to allocate affordable finance for SIDS to combat negative effects of climate change.
International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) hosts the High-level Meeting of the Initiative for Renewable Island Energy (IRIE) which is organised by Ministry of Environment and Energy of Maldives. The meeting held at Bandos Maldives Resort is attended by energy and environment ministers from 17 AOSIS membership countries.