Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef has stated that the Maldives is ready to ensure the goals of the Global Development Initiative (GDI) are met, and that strengthening relations among nations is essential to securing a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future for developing countries.

The Vice President made these remarks while delivering a speech today at the High-Level Meeting on the Global Development Initiative, hosted by China on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly currently underway in New York.

In his remarks, the Vice President expressed gratitude for China's ongoing projects to further expand the GDI. He also highlighted the importance of initiatives implemented to mitigate the negative impacts of challenges facing developing nations.

Furthermore, the Vice President touched upon the enduring ties between the Maldives and China, as well as China's role in the national development of the Maldives.

The Vice President noted that debt burdens pose challenges to ensuring national resilience. He stated that climate change presents additional hurdles for developing small island states, and therefore emphasized the importance of achieving the goals of COP31.

Noting that innovative solutions—including science, technology, and artificial intelligence—are vital for sustainable development, the Vice President expressed support for information and technology sharing as well as capacity building.

Concluding his speech, the Vice President highlighted the importance of working together to confront challenges and called for securing a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future.