President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stressed that climate resilience must be built into all development efforts rather than addressed only after disasters occur.

He made the remarks at a session organised by the UN Global Centre for Climate Mobility (GCCM) on strengthening resilience to sea-level rise in small island states, held on the sidelines of the COP31 Summit in Antalya, Türkiye.

The President described rising sea levels as a direct threat to the Maldives’ continued existence, stressing that protecting the islands and the right of Maldivians to live on them remains a national priority.

He highlighted government efforts to strengthen coastal protection and preserve natural defences, including reefs and lagoons. He also stressed the need to provide island communities with the data and financial resources required to prepare for climate change.

Referring to major development projects, President Dr Muizzu highlighted Hulhumalé’s elevated development and the Rasmalé project, which is being developed above projected sea levels as a low-carbon eco-city powered by renewable energy.

He said these projects support the Maldives’ vision of becoming a fully developed nation by 2040, with climate resilience forming an integral part of national development.

The President also called for climate-induced displacement to be included in climate planning and urged the provision of adequate, predictable and accessible climate finance. He stressed that climate assistance should be provided as grants, describing it as a matter of climate justice.

He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to protecting the Maldives’ islands so future generations can continue to live, build and prosper on their ancestral land.