President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has delivered a powerful address during the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79), calling for global action to address the climate change, which he described as the greatest threat for humanity and as a challenge for the entire generation.
Speaking at the UNGA79, President Dr. Muizzu stressed on the detrimental effects of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss. The president acknowledged that the negative impacts of climate change 'washes away decades of progress in mere minutes'. He noted that the it further diverts scarce resources from long-term development to emergency relief and reconstruction, therefore preventing countries from adapting to climate impact. He further called for an immediate and science-based response, bolstered by determination and adequate resources.
In his address, President Dr. Muizzu called onto wealthier, high-emission countries to fulfill their respective financial commitments, particularly to support climate change adaptation measures. Highlighting that the financing gap continues to widen in this area, the president underscored the crucial importance of ensuring that the new goal for climate finance aligns with the scale of action required, as the world moves to COP29. He shed light on the Maldives' efforts to combat climate change, reiterating the Maldives' commitment to ensure that 33% of the country’s electricity demand will be met by renewable energy sources by 2028.
Furthermore, President Dr. Muizzu emphasised on the Maldives' dependency on the ocean, calling for stronger measures to sustainably utilise and manage ocean resources, overcome plastic pollution, conserve biodiversity and protect endangered species. The president urged the global community to take decisive action on climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss for the sake of future generations.