President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has returned to the Maldives after concluding his visit to Türkiye, where he attended the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31).
Held under the theme “Towards a Sustainable, Resilient and Equitable Future”, the conference began on November 10 and brought together world leaders, government representatives and international organisations to discuss global climate challenges.
President Muizzu attended the summit alongside First Lady Sajidha Mohamed and a high-level Maldivian delegation.
During his address at the conference, the President called on the international community to fulfil its climate commitments and push for reforms to the global financial system. He also highlighted the particular vulnerabilities faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS), urging greater international support to address their challenges.
The President also participated in high-level roundtable discussions on climate-related issues, where he shared the challenges facing vulnerable island nations and stressed the need to strengthen international assistance for these countries.
Meanwhile, First Lady Sajidha Mohamed addressed a high-level meeting of the Global Zero Waste Alliance. In her remarks, she highlighted the harmful effects of marine pollution on coral reefs, marine ecosystems and food security, stressing that waste does not simply disappear once it is discarded.
During the visit, the President and First Lady also held discussions with leaders from various countries, heads of international organisations and senior representatives working in climate-related fields.
Key issues discussed at COP31 included the transition to renewable energy, securing climate finance to address climate-related challenges, and protecting coastal communities from the impacts of climate change.
President Muizzu’s participation in COP31 follows his attendance at COP28 in 2023 and COP29 in 2024, reflecting the government’s continued engagement in international climate discussions.
