President Muizzu Vows to Champion Climate Justice at COP-29 Amid Maldives' Push for Environmental Resilience

During Republic Day celebrations, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced his intention to advocate for the Maldives at the upcoming COP-29 summit in Azerbaijan. Speaking to the nation, he emphasized the Maldives’ commitment to climate justice, detailing initiatives to secure compensation for environmental damages caused by major polluters.

President Muizzu underscored the Maldives' vulnerability to climate change and stressed the need for swift action in promoting regional development and environmental resilience. Highlighting the government's ongoing sustainable development efforts, he revealed ambitious eco-friendly goals, including increasing the share of clean energy to 33% of the Maldives' total energy mix. Currently, a 164 MW solar power project is underway, building on the 15 MW solar power capacity generated over the past year.

In addition to renewable energy, the President detailed several environmental conservation projects, including the goal of planting five million trees, with over 400,000 trees planted to date. Plans are also underway to establish biosphere reserves on three new islands, expanding the existing conservation framework in Baa Atoll. Furthermore, 17 islands have been earmarked for environmental protection, with investments in waste management, including rubbish bins, special waste vehicles for 99 islands, and other sustainability support.

With climate advocacy at the forefront, President Muizzu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to pursuing both local and global solutions to the climate crisis, ensuring a greener future for the Maldives.