Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Thoriq Ibrahim has announced that the Maldives will engage in discussions with Asian countries next year to strengthen its role in environmental protection.
Minister Thoriq made this statement during the closing ceremony of the Asia Protected Areas Partnership Event, which took place at the 16th meeting of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). As the current co-chair of the partnership, he confirmed that the Maldives will host the Technical Committee meeting in 2025.
The Minister expressed his enthusiasm for welcoming participants, emphasizing that the meeting aims to enhance regional cooperation in the management of protected areas. He noted that this gathering will serve as a vital platform for discussion and experience-sharing among Asian nations regarding protected area management. Minister Thoriq highlighted the Maldives' involvement in the partnership as a significant opportunity to reinforce its commitment to environmental protection.
In addition, he participated in the Ministerial Meeting on Plastics and Marine Waste, where he emphasized the roles of both government and private sectors in addressing plastic pollution. He also stressed the importance of financial support for implementing relevant conventions.
The Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy anticipates that the forthcoming meetings will represent a critical step toward bolstering global efforts to protect oceans and the environment from plastic waste.