Special Envoy of the President and former President of the Maldives, Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan, has called for stronger global cooperation and decisive action to promote sustainability and climate resilience.

Representing President Dr Mohamed Muizzu at the 2025 Sustainability Global Leaders Conference held in Shanghai, China, Dr Waheed stressed that sustainability for the Maldives is not just a slogan but a matter of survival. He highlighted that rising sea levels threaten not only the nation’s land but also its heritage, culture, and history, stressing that climate change is a lived reality for the Maldivian people.

Dr Waheed reaffirmed that although the Maldives is a small nation, it remains determined to lead by example through resilience, innovation, and equity. He outlined three key pillars for global cooperation: action, innovation, and sustainable growth, and urged the international community to turn promises into tangible results to ensure vulnerable nations are not left behind.

He also underlined the importance of courageous and principled leadership, explaining that genuine leadership is defined not by size or wealth but by the willingness to act on scientific evidence and to prioritise the well-being of future generations over short-term gains.

Concluding his address, Dr Waheed expressed optimism about the future, noting that the Maldives remains committed to hope, courage, and partnership as guiding values in building a world grounded in resilience, justice, and lasting progress.