Vice President Calls for Just Climate Transition at China-Indian Ocean Forum

Vice President His Excellency Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef emphasized the urgent need for a just climate transition to limit global warming and protect marine biodiversity, critical to sustaining the blue economies of vulnerable states. He made these remarks at the Opening Ceremony of the Third China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Blue Economy Development Cooperation, held in Kunming, China.

During his address, the Vice President highlighted the ocean's integral role in shaping the identity and livelihoods of Maldivians, often referred to as the “children of the sea.” He noted that fisheries and tourism, the primary income sources for the Maldives, face severe threats from climate change, marine pollution, and Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. These challenges jeopardize fish stocks, coastal livelihoods, and food security.

The Vice President praised the Maldives' commitment to sustainable practices, such as pole-and-line fishing, which ensures zero by-catch and minimizes harm to marine habitats. He stressed that Small Island Developing States like the Maldives bear an outsized burden of climate impacts despite contributing minimally to global emissions.

He underscored the Maldives' efforts to adapt to and mitigate climate change impacts with limited resources, commending President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s ambitious plans to enhance climate action and promote sustainable development through the blue economy.

Before concluding, Vice President Latheef reaffirmed China’s status as a reliable partner of the Maldives and expressed gratitude for China's continued support in the nation’s development.