President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has requested international assistance to raise USD 600 million needed to establish renewable energy systems in the Maldives over the next five years.
Muizzu made the remarks while delivering the Maldives’ National Statement at the high-level segment of the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
"Responding to your call for greater mitigation ambition, my government aims to install renewable energy systems that can meet 33 percent of the country’s electricity demand in the next five years," Muizzu said.
"Currently, it stands at 4 percent. To achieve that, we aim to raise at least 600 million dollars. We could do that only with your support."
He also announced a national drive to plant five million trees across the Maldives.
Addressing world leaders, Muizzu emphasized that increasing the resilience of our islands is a top priority.
"We need habitable ecosystems to support our lives and livelihoods. To rebuild them from rapid and slow onset events that damage them," he stated.
Muizzu expressed hope that the Loss and Damage Fund would function as intended and be readily available to those in need.
"The global financial architecture also needs a major overhaul. In a world where the climate is changing faster than ever, we cannot wait to overcome red tape. To prove bankability. To demonstrate viability," he said.
Highlighting his role as a global citizen, Muizzu acknowledged a shared responsibility to the planet and urged cooperation to ensure that each action yields tangible results, fulfilling our collective obligations towards a better planet.
