President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has said the Maldives does not seek the world's sympathy, but justice, accountability and practical action.

Speaking yesterday at COP31, the international climate change conference attended by world leaders and under way in Türkiye, the President said countries must fulfil their obligations under international treaties and act on the commitments they have made.

The President said that while the Maldives' role in creating the climate crisis is very small, it is unacceptable for the country to fall into debt to overcome the crisis. He noted that the cost of overcoming climate change must not be countries falling into unsustainable debt.

The President said that at a time when the world faces the reality of global temperatures exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius, and as the climate crisis continues to worsen, the Maldives is leading efforts to overcome these changes, develop new ideas and build a sustainable future.

At the conference, the President focused on three key priorities: financial assistance, reform of the international financial system, and practical implementation of commitments.

The President said developed countries must fulfil their responsibility to provide climate finance. He noted that this assistance must come as grants rather than loans.

The President highlighted the importance of replenishing the Green Climate Fund, contributing to the Adaptation Fund, and securing adequate funding for the Loss and Damage Fund.

The President also said the international financial system must take into account the particular vulnerabilities of small developing states. He said it is also important to reform how international financial institutions and credit rating agencies view investments made to overcome climate change.

Highlighting the Maldives' efforts to overcome climate change, the President said work is being carried out in a planned manner to ensure food, energy and water security. He said that by expanding clean energy across the islands, the Maldives is moving forward toward achieving its renewable energy targets.

The President noted that last month, the Maldives' national direct access entity received accreditation from the Green Climate Fund. He said this made the Maldives the first among Asia's small developing states to achieve this.

The President said a target without practical implementation is merely a promise. He noted that implementing those commitments requires financial assistance, technology and expertise, and political will.

The President called for demonstrating that COP31's commitments can only be turned into meaningful results through international cooperation. He said the benefits of those results must reach today's generation and future generations.