Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan, Special Envoy of the President and former President of the Maldives, delivered a keynote address at the 2025 Sustainability Global Leaders Conference held in Shanghai, China. Representing President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, he called for decisive global action and strengthened international cooperation to promote sustainability and climate resilience.

In his address, Dr Waheed highlighted that sustainability is a vital issue for the Maldives, describing it as a matter of national survival. He noted that the impacts of climate change directly threaten the country’s land, heritage, culture, and history, making it an urgent and lived reality for its people.

Dr Waheed underscored that small nations like the Maldives are determined to lead by example through innovation, resilience, and fairness. He outlined three key areas essential for global cooperation – action, innovation, and sustainable growth – and encouraged world leaders to turn commitments into meaningful progress, ensuring that vulnerable nations are supported in the process.

He further stressed the importance of bold and principled leadership, noting that true leadership is demonstrated by the willingness to act for the long-term benefit of future generations.

Concluding his remarks, Dr Waheed expressed optimism for the future, reaffirming the Maldives’ commitment to hope, courage, and partnership in building a more resilient and just world.