The Maldives has discussed ways to strengthen support for climate action and improve access to climate finance through the Green Climate Fund (GCF), following a bilateral meeting between Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Ali Shareef and GCF Executive Director Mafalda Duarte in Bangkok.
The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 2026 annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, taking place in the Thai capital from October 12 to 18.
According to the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, the discussions focused on increasing support for the Maldives’ climate action initiatives and identifying ways to make climate financing through the GCF more accessible.
The discussions come as small island developing states (SIDS), including the Maldives, face the challenge of financing climate resilience and adapting to the impacts of climate change.
The Green Climate Fund has also highlighted climate resilience financing for SIDS ahead of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31). The fund announced plans for a webinar featuring speakers from Fiji, Tuvalu, the Maldives, the Pacific Community and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme.
The Maldives, as a low-lying island nation, faces climate-related challenges that require investment in adaptation and resilience. Access to international climate finance is an important part of supporting the country’s efforts to address these risks.
The bilateral meeting provided an opportunity for the Maldives and the GCF to discuss potential avenues for strengthening cooperation on climate finance. However, the ministry’s statement did not announce any new funding commitments or specific financial agreements arising from the meeting.
