President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has called for reforms to the international financial system to ensure small island developing states (SIDS) have easier access to adequate and predictable climate finance.

He made the remarks at the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) Leaders’ Meeting held on the sidelines of COP31 yesterday.

The President said achieving developed-country status by 2040 was a national goal for the Maldives, but climate change remained one of the biggest challenges to achieving it. He stressed the need for greater focus on climate finance, financial reforms and practical action.

He called for climate finance to be adequate, accessible, predictable and grant-based. He also urged increased adaptation financing and faster disbursement from the Loss and Damage Fund in anticipation of a potential 'super El Niño' event.

President Dr Muizzu stressed that vulnerable countries should not be forced to take on high-interest loans to recover from climate-related disasters or face additional debt burdens in the name of climate action.

He also called on international financial institutions and credit rating agencies to recognise the long-term economic benefits of climate investments.

Emphasising the need to turn climate commitments into tangible results, the President highlighted the importance of adequate financing, technology transfer and practical support.

He said small island states needed climate justice rather than charity, adding that the true measure of international cooperation was the results delivered rather than promises made.