Maldives has called for stronger partnerships among developing countries to address shared development challenges and build a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable future.
Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef made the remarks while delivering an address at a High-Level Meeting on the Global Development Initiative (GDI), hosted by China on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The Vice President expressed the Maldives’ continued support for the GDI and appreciation to China for its efforts to advance the initiative, stressing the importance of international initiatives that help developing countries overcome persistent development challenges.
He highlighted the longstanding development partnership between the Maldives and China and its contribution to the country’s national development.
The Vice President also raised concerns over unsustainable debt, noting that debt pressures can limit countries’ ability to invest in resilience and sustainable development.
He highlighted the growing threat posed by climate change to development progress, particularly for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and stressed the importance of COP31 delivering on existing climate commitments and translating them into meaningful action.
Speaking on the role of science, technology and innovation, including artificial intelligence, in advancing sustainable development, the Vice President called for stronger international cooperation in capacity-building, technology transfer and knowledge-sharing.
Concluding his remarks, he called for greater solidarity among developing countries to address common challenges and advance shared prosperity and a more resilient future.
