Sat, 05 Jul 2025

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DHIVEHI

VP concludes official visit to Hawaii

22 May 2025

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Yumn Hassan

Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef attending BPA Fellowship Opening Lei ceremony --- Photo: President's Office

Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef has concluded an official visit to Hawaii, United States of America, undertaken at the invitation of the Blue Planet Alliance (BPA).

The visit centred on discussions related to climate action, renewable energy, and international cooperation.

During the programme, a non-binding agreement was signed between the Maldives and the Blue Planet Alliance, outlining the country's interest in expanding renewable energy technologies.

The Vice President delivered remarks at the opening ceremony of the Blue Planet Alliance Fellowship Programme, addressing challenges faced by small island developing states and emphasising alternative approaches to climate change impacts.

At the Honolulu International Forum, he discussed the Maldives' position on ocean management and highlighted the role of international financial support in advancing blue economy initiatives.

A significant milestone was achieved when the Vice President visited the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Inouye Regional Centre, becoming the first Maldivian Vice President to do so. He acknowledged the centre's contributions to the Maldives through the International Tsunami Information Centre and Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre, particularly in disaster preparedness following the 2004 tsunami.

The Vice President also held meetings with Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority officials, including Executive Director Gwen Yamamoto-Lau, focusing on financing models for Hawaii's renewable energy transition and their relevance to small island contexts.

The Vice President was accompanied by Special Envoy for Climate Change Ali Shareef, along with Government officials, utility representatives, and civil society organisations. Maldivian participants are taking part in the fourth cohort of the Blue Planet Alliance Fellowship Programme, held from May 19 to 23, 2025 in Honolulu.

The Blue Planet Alliance is a non-profit organisation established in 2020 by climate advocate Henk Rogers, working with governments, businesses, and communities to promote environmental sustainability with a focus on encouraging 100 per cent renewable energy commitments by 2045.

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