Speaker of the People’s Majlis Abdul Raheem Abdulla has called on the international community to pursue dialogue and a peaceful resolution to the ongoing Middle East conflict.

He made the remarks while addressing the 5th Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Parliamentary Network in Istanbul, held on the sidelines of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) 152nd Assembly.

Addressing the conference theme on climate-resilient urbanisation, Abdul Raheem said small island developing states such as the Maldives face increasing risks from sea-level rise, coastal erosion and flooding, stressing the need for coordinated global action.

He said parliaments play a key role in strengthening legal frameworks on environmental protection, climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction and sustainable land use, while ensuring climate priorities are reflected in national development strategies.

The Speaker also pointed to the role of parliamentary oversight through committees and budget processes, noting that such mechanisms support sustainable investment in sectors including housing, transport, water and sanitation, energy and waste management.

Referring to national efforts, he said the People’s Majlis has established a dedicated committee on environment and climate change to maintain focus on related policies and legislation, while also highlighting the need to improve access to international climate finance and promote public-private partnerships.

He concluded by reaffirming the Maldives’ commitment to working with other parliaments to advance climate-resilient urbanisation.