The Maldives has strengthened its international engagement on clean energy and sustainable development after participating in a High-level Consultation towards the review of SDG7 at the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) 2026, focused on “Tripling Renewables,” held on the Pre-Assembly Day of IRENA’s 16th Assembly (IRENA16A) in Abu Dhabi. Representing the Maldives, Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Technology Hon. Thoriq Ibrahim delivered an intervention during the SDG review discussions, underscoring the country’s commitment to advancing affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy access while aligning national priorities with global climate and development goals.
On the sidelines of IRENA16A, Minister Thoriq Ibrahim and the United Arab Emirates’ Permanent Representative to IRENA, Nawal Al-Hosany, held what was described as a highly constructive dialogue, signalling accelerated collaboration between the two countries on sustainable energy innovation and energy security. The minister also represented the Maldives at a dedicated session on “Energy Transition: Pathways, Regional Approaches, and Partnerships,” where discussions highlighted the importance of leveraging synergies between renewable energy projects and local environments to speed up sustainable development outcomes an approach that closely reflects the Maldives’ unique island geography and the need for practical, resilient energy solutions across dispersed communities.
The Maldives’ participation in IRENA’s 16th Assembly further reaffirmed President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s national target to meet 33 percent of the country’s electricity needs from renewable energy by 2028, positioning the transition as a strategic pillar for energy security, climate resilience and long-term economic sustainability. For global readers, the Maldives’ energy agenda is closely connected to the country’s world-renowned tourism industry, where clean power is increasingly becoming part of the visitor experience and a driver of operational efficiency. As resorts and island-based hospitality developments continue to integrate solar power, smart energy management systems and low-emission infrastructure, renewable deployment supports a more resilient tourism model—reducing exposure to imported fuel price volatility, improving supply reliability, and reinforcing the Maldives’ standing as a premium destination committed to responsible growth. Clean energy solutions also strengthen essential services that support tourism and local livelihoods alike, including water production, cooling systems and waste management operations, while contributing to broader climate adaptation goals.
During the Abu Dhabi programme, Minister Thoriq Ibrahim met with UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment H.E. Dr. Amna Al Dahak to discuss accelerating clean energy deployment, strengthening climate resilience and promoting deeper cooperation. He also met with IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera to review existing engagement and identify potential collaborations, with the meeting highlighting shared priorities and potential joint programmes that can support the Maldives’ renewable energy pipeline, capacity-building needs and implementation readiness.
In addition, the minister attended Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2026 and the Zayed Sustainability Prize ceremony, where he met representatives linked to Faafu Atoll Education Center, recognized among the Global High Schools – South Asia winners. Their project is expected to deploy a practical mix of solar and wind energy, rainwater harvesting, UV filtration, hydroponics and an AI-enabled dashboard, reflecting the growing role of youth-led innovation in addressing island sustainability challenges through integrated solutions that connect energy, water and food security.
Expanding the discussion on emerging technologies, Minister Thoriq Ibrahim also joined a ministerial dialogue on “The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Accelerating the Energy Transition,” held on 12 January 2026 as part of IRENA16A. The dialogue featured exchanges on AI-driven renewable integration, grid resilience and sustainable growth—topics increasingly relevant for small island systems seeking to balance variable renewable generation with dependable electricity supply across multiple islands. Through these engagements, the Maldives has reinforced its international partnerships and policy direction at a critical time for global energy transition efforts, while signalling that clean energy progress will remain central to its national development pathway supporting communities, strengthening resilience, and enabling a more sustainable tourism future.
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