Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Technology Aminath Shauna has stated the youth have a critical role to play in addressing and fighting the impact of climate change.
The environment minister made the remarks while speaking at the event hosted by the government in collaboration with UNICEF and UNDP, titled “Our Climate, Our Present, Our Future”. The event was held as a buzz event ahead of the upcoming COP26 Summit, in an effort to spotlight the devastating impact of climate change on children and young people in Maldives and catalyze action and partnerships to mitigate its effects.
Speaking at the event, Environment Minister Shauna stated young people have a critical role to play in ensuring that climate change is addressed in the most inclusive manner to ensure maximum resiliency to communities. She added government leaders need to ensure that the voices of young people are welcomed and heard, and that they are given platforms to express their views and concerns so that youth today can lead their own path for change.
The event was attended by over 100 experts, business leaders and young people from Maldives and other small islands developing states (SIDS), such as Seychelles. In addition to Environment Minister Shauna, the UNICEF Deputy Regional Director for South Asia Sun Ah Kim Suh, the British High Commissioner for the Maldives Caron Rohsler, and the UN Resident Coordinator Enrico Gaveglia delivered remarks at the event.
Through presentations and panel discussions, the event provided a platform for young people from the Maldives and other SIDS to make their voices heard and lead by example through climate action, while also sparking synergies among the private sector for innovations, transfer of technology, know-how and climate resilient solutions.