Maldives urges Commonwealth to expand support for small island states

Maldives has urged the Commonwealth to expand its role in supporting Small Island Developing States (SIDS) – the countries positioned at the forefront of multiple global crises, notably climate change.

The appeal was made by Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, in a meeting with Patricia Scotland, the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, on Tuesday.

The meeting took place in Antigua and Barbuda, on the sidelines of the fourth international conference on SIDS.

At the meeting, President Muizzu expressed gratitude to the Commonwealth for the development assistance provided to the Maldives.

He also acknowledged the organization’s support, in the fields of sports, youth empowerment, education, environment, and technology.

The two discussed issues of importance to SIDS and other small states in the Commonwealth, and avenues for the organization to further augment its role in aiding SIDS.

Scotland applauded the strong and valuable leadership of Maldives, on critical issues of concern to SIDS.

President Muizzu also met with additional world leaders on the sidelines of the conference, including Gaston Browne, the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, and Siaosi 'Ofakivahafolau Sovaleni, the Prime Minister of Tonga.

In his meeting with PM Browne, President Muizzu commended the excellent arrangements made by the Antiguan and Barbudan government for the conference, and expressed his appreciation for the warm hospitality extended to the Maldivian delegation.

The two leaders' discussions ranged from issues relating to the conference to issues of concern to SIDS.

They also discussed greater cooperation to strengthen resilience, and greater collaboration on issues of mutual interest in the global arena.

In his meeting with the Tonga PM, President Muizzu discussed the need for SIDS to be self-sufficient, as they move through developmental paths.

The leaders also discussed room for improvement in the current processes to access multilateral climate funds.

Both leaders expressed commitment to combating the climate crisis, and working together to achieve sustainable development and prosperity for all.

President Muizzu also met with Lord Richard Benyon, the Minister of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the UK.

The two discussed a range of issues relating to enhancing bilateral and multilateral cooperation, especially on issues relating to SIDS.

At the meeting, President Muizzu emphasized his resolve to combat the climate crisis, and outlined some of the steps his administration has taken to address climate mitigation-related concerns.

Lord Benyon applauded the Maldives' active leadership on advocating for SIDS, and commended President Muizzu's vision for the development and prosperity of Maldives.

President Muizzu travelled to Barbuda to attend the conference on Friday. The fourth SIDS conference, held once a decade, is taking place from May 27-30.

SIDS comprise of 37 UN member nations, and 20 associate members of regional commissions, positioned at the forefront of multiple global crises, notably climate change.

Under the overarching theme of “charting the course toward resilient prosperity", this year’s conference aims to assess the ability of SIDS to achieve sustainable development, including the 2030 Agenda, and its Sustainable Development Goals.