Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef has called for stronger global cooperation to protect the rights of vulnerable nations as rising sea levels pose an increasing threat to their future.

Delivering a statement at the High-Level Panel on Protecting Rights in the Face of Sea-Level Rise during the Berlin Climate Mobility Forum 2026, the Vice President said the challenges posed by climate change extend beyond environmental concerns, affecting the rights, identity and future of island communities.

He noted that sea-level rise is already influencing the Maldives' development planning, infrastructure investments and long-term national priorities, while threatening the ability of Maldivians to preserve their homes, culture, identity and connection to their islands.

Addressing issues of sovereignty and statehood, the Vice President reaffirmed the Maldives' longstanding position that the sovereignty and statehood of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) must remain protected. He stressed that international law is founded on stability, fairness and the sovereign equality of states, and said the Maldivian people's right to self-determination must be upheld.

He emphasised that protecting communities and enabling people to remain in their homes with dignity must remain the highest priority. This, he said, requires sustained investment in climate adaptation, including resilient infrastructure, coastal protection, safer housing, stronger public services and long-term planning.

Highlighting the Maldives' adaptation efforts, the Vice President pointed to projects such as Hulhumalé and Ras Malé as examples of proactive measures to strengthen resilience, expand opportunities and reduce climate risks before displacement becomes unavoidable.

He also stressed the need for predictable and accessible climate finance, saying vulnerable countries require greater support to build resilience. He further called for continued efforts to strengthen legal certainty so that affected states can continue protecting their people and safeguarding their rights.

Concluding his remarks, the Vice President reaffirmed the Maldives' commitment to working with the international community to advance solutions that protect people, uphold international law and strengthen resilience against the impacts of sea-level rise.