With the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) coming to a close, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has departed Baku, Azerbaijan concluding a successful visit. 

Throughout the COP29, President Dr Muizzu brought attention to the implications of climate change on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) as well as the risks the Maldives faces as a low-lying island nation. The President stressed that increased climate finance is critical at this time and called on the international community, urging them to turn pledges into actions for countries that are vulnerable to the impact of climate change.

President Dr Muizzu also participated in several high-level discussions with world leaders, where he advocated for strengthened global collaboration to reduce the risk of climate change and shed light on improving areas of mutual interest. These discussions aimed to ignite interest in addressing climate change, and highlighting the vitality of a united global response to such a challenge. 

In the side events of COP29, President Dr Muizzu focused on the climate initiatives taken by the Maldives to fight climate change, as well as its commitment to develop sustainably. He expressed that in order to improve usage of renewable energy and the ability to adapt to climate change in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), there is a necessity for strong technical and financial support to these countries in reaching these goals and tackling climate change. 

The visit reaffirmed President Dr Muizzu’s leadership on the global climate stage, emphasising the importance of addressing both the immediate and long-term needs of vulnerable nations.