Minister of Tourism and Environment, Thoriq Ibrahim stated that environmental protection and energy conservation efforts will yield satisfactory results only through international assistance and partnerships.
Minister Thoriq represented Maldives at the Consultation Towards the Review of SDG7 at the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) 2026: Tripling Renewables, on the Pre-Assembly Day of IRENA16A. During his intervention at the Pre-Assembly Day of IRENA16A, Minister Thoriq highlighted the importance of international assistance and partnerships in executing environmental conservation effort.
Key discussions during this high-level engagement centered on regional energy transitions, critical enablers like grids, energy planning, digital innovation and Artificial Intelligence (AI), mobilising finance including sustainable aviation fuels as well as the question of how renewables can boost agri-foods systems and green industrialisation.
On the sidelines of the 16th session of the IRENA Assembly, Minister Thoriq, held a high-level meeting with the United Arab Emirates’ Permanent Representative to the International Renewable Energy Agency, Nawal Al-Hosany. The discussions were described as highly constructive, focusing on strengthening cooperation in renewable energy development, sustainable innovation, and long-term energy security.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration through IRENA, with particular emphasis on advancing clean energy solutions that support climate resilience and sustainable development. The dialogue signals renewed momentum in Maldives–UAE partnership efforts aimed at accelerating the global transition towards renewable energy.
Achieving 33 percent of electricity generation through renewable sources by 2028 is a key presidential pledge of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. IRENA16 was a preparatory engagement for the HLPF 2026, where here members gathered to discuss and advance policies related to global energy transition.