President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has called on the international community to fulfil its climate commitments, reform the global financial system and turn political pledges into measurable action.

Delivering the Maldives’ National Statement at the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31), the President outlined three priorities: climate finance, financial reform and implementation.

On climate finance, he called for new, additional, predictable and grant-based funding, alongside increased support for the Green Climate Fund, Adaptation Fund and Loss and Damage Fund. He stressed that vulnerable countries should not have to take on more debt to address a crisis they did little to create.

The President also urged reforms to international financial institutions and credit rating systems to better recognise the climate vulnerabilities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). He emphasised that investments in climate resilience should be recognised as essential investments rather than financial liabilities.

Highlighting the Maldives’ climate efforts, Dr Muizzu outlined initiatives to strengthen food, energy and water security, as well as expand access to climate finance.

He also highlighted the recent accreditation of the Maldives’ first national direct access entity to the Green Climate Fund, the first of its kind for an Asian SIDS.

Calling for greater focus on implementation, the President stressed the need for adequate financing, technology transfer and political commitment to achieve meaningful climate action.

He concluded by urging COP31 to uphold principles of justice and responsibility and demonstrate that international cooperation can deliver tangible results.