Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Technology Aminath Shauna has highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS), large ocean states, and Least Developing Countries (LDCs) and ways to address these vulnerabilities.
Minister Shauna made the remarks while participating in the interactive dialogue 5 entitled "promoting and strengthening sustainable ocean-based economies, in particular for Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries" at the 2022 United Nations Ocean Conference. Minister Shauna is attending the conference, held in Lisbon from June 27 to July 1, 2022, as the special representative of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
Speaking at the conference, Minister Shauna highlighted the importance of finalising the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index that considers the multiple and intersecting vulnerabilities faced by SIDS, large ocean states, and LDCs. She said that steps need to be taken to make it easier for these states to create policies that would help strengthen long-term ocean-based economies.
The environment minister also stressed the vulnerability of SIDS, especially in the case of the Maldives. She expressed that the Maldives’ sustenance, livelihoods, and means of income are linked to the oceans, with 60% of its GDP derived from the ocean. She also noted the responsibility of today’s leaders to protect the natural endowment and to pass on the beauty of the oceans to future generations.