Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Abdulla Khaleel has highlighted the security implications of sea-level rise at a side event held alongside the 62nd Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany.

The Minister made the remarks at a discussion jointly organised by the Global Centre for Climate Mobility (GCCM) and Robert Bosch Stiftung titled “Rising Seas, Rising Risks: How to respond to the multidimensional security challenges posed by sea level rise”. The session focused on the security challenges associated with rising sea levels.

Minister Dr Khaleel said that although climate change affects all countries, its consequences are felt more acutely by small island states such as the Maldives, which face heightened risks despite their relatively small contribution to global emissions. He said sea-level rise and increasingly severe weather events pose serious challenges to national security and economic stability in vulnerable countries.

The Minister outlined steps being taken by the Maldives to strengthen resilience to climate impacts, including Ras Malé, an elevated safe city designed to withstand sea-level rise, and investments in infrastructure. He said such measures are aimed at reducing vulnerability to climate-related risks.

He further stated that adaptation efforts alone would not be sufficient to address the wider global consequences of climate change, calling for tangible international action supported by strong political commitment. He emphasised the importance of cooperation in responding to the security dimensions of climate change.

The Minister reaffirmed the Maldives’ commitment to climate action and urged greater international collaboration to protect countries most exposed to climate risks and to work towards a secure and sustainable future.