President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has met United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator Alexander De Croo on the sidelines of the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye, holding discussions on strengthening cooperation in sustainable development, climate resilience and future development priorities.
The meeting highlighted the longstanding partnership between the Maldives and UNDP and explored opportunities to deepen cooperation in areas that are increasingly important to the country’s long-term economic and environmental resilience. Discussions included sustainable development, climate adaptation and opportunities for mobilising public, private and international financing to support the Maldives’ transition towards a more resilient blue-green economy. The importance of ensuring that the specific vulnerabilities and development priorities of Small Island Developing States are appropriately reflected within the international development system was also highlighted.
President Muizzu expressed appreciation for UNDP’s continued support to the Maldives and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to further strengthening the partnership. He emphasised that sustained international cooperation remains important for translating national development priorities into practical outcomes that improve livelihoods, strengthen communities and create lasting benefits for the Maldivian people.
The discussions also reflected the Government’s broader climate agenda presented at COP31, where President Muizzu has called for greater access to predictable and grant-based climate financing, stronger international support for vulnerable island nations and reform of the global financial system to better recognise the unique challenges faced by Small Island Developing States. The President has emphasised that investments in resilience, renewable energy, food security and water security are central to safeguarding the Maldives’ long-term development.
As an island nation whose economy, communities and infrastructure remain highly exposed to climate-related risks, the Maldives has continued to prioritise climate resilience alongside economic development. The Government is pursuing measures to strengthen renewable energy, disaster preparedness and sustainable infrastructure while seeking greater international investment and technical cooperation to accelerate implementation of its national development objectives.
President Muizzu and the UNDP Administrator reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining close cooperation and advancing initiatives that support the Maldives’ sustainable development goals, climate resilience and long-term economic prosperity. The meeting further demonstrated the Government’s continued engagement with international development partners to secure practical support and investment for a stronger and more resilient Maldives.
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