The Minister of Tourism and Environment, Thoriq Ibrahim, has been appointed Chairperson of the Global Council on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13: Climate Action.

His appointment strengthens the Maldives’ role in global climate leadership and reinforces its commitment to addressing the urgent challenges posed by climate change.

The Global Councils on SDGs were established by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during the sixth edition of the World Government Summit, held in Dubai. Designed to accelerate progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the initiative brings together ministers and global experts to collaborate on targeted solutions for each SDG. The third cohort (2024–2026) will be officially launched at the World Government Summit in February 2025, continuing the platform’s efforts to advance sustainable policies and international cooperation.

As one of the most climate-vulnerable nations, the Maldives stands to benefit significantly from Minister Thoriq's leadership in the Global Council. His appointment aligns with the country’s longstanding advocacy for climate resilience and environmental protection, particularly in response to rising sea levels and climate-related threats.

In this role, he will also oversee the Government Exchange Experience Programme, an initiative that facilitates international collaboration and the sharing of best practices in climate policy.

The SDG 13 Council, under Minister Ibrahim’s leadership, will focus on strengthening climate resilience, advancing sustainable policies, and enhancing global cooperation.

Since its inception, the Global Councils have evolved into an important forum for knowledge exchange and policy innovation, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to tackling global environmental challenges. The Maldives' active participation in this platform sheds light to its efforts to shape international climate policies and contribute to global sustainability initiatives.

As Chairperson, the Minister will engage in several high-level international discussions to drive climate action forward. These include:

The third cohort of the Global Councils on SDGs aims to deepen international partnerships, accelerate progress towards the SDGs, and foster sustainable development worldwide. Minister Thoriq Ibrahim’s appointment marks a significant step in advancing global climate action and reinforcing the Maldives’ leadership on environmental issues.