Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef reaffirmed the Maldives' dedication to sustainable ocean stewardship and advocated for immediate reforms in international climate finance.

He made these remarks during his address at the Honolulu International Forum (HIF), a prestigious platform organised by the Pacific Forum.

Commending the Pacific Forum for five decades of promoting strategic stability and policy dialogue in the Indo-Pacific, the Vice President spoke of the Maldives' deep-rooted connection to the ocean. He highlighted the nation's vulnerability to the growing impacts of climate change, including coral bleaching, storm surges, and rising sea levels.

The Vice President highlighted national efforts and reaffirmed the Maldives' commitment to the Blue Economy through sustainable fisheries, marine conservation, and ecosystem-based coastal management. He emphasized, however, that these initiatives require adequate and sustainable climate financing to be effective. 

Calling for meaningful reform, the Vice President urged the international community to move beyond GDP-based assessments and adopt development frameworks that address the unique vulnerabilities of small island developing states (SIDS). He also advocated for innovative financing mechanisms, including concessional instruments and climate-linked debt solutions. 

Concluding his remarks, the Vice President emphasised the inseparable link between the Blue Economy and climate finance, calling for collaborative international efforts to safeguard the nation's heritage and livelihoods and to ensure a resilient future. 

Held monthly, the Honolulu International Forum provides a platform for dialogue on key political, economic, and security issues in the Indo-Pacific, bringing together experts, policymakers, and practitioners.