President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has held a series of high-level meetings with world leaders and senior international officials on the sidelines of the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31), as the Maldives strengthens its international engagement on climate action and sustainable development.
The four-day global climate summit, being held from 11 to 14 November in the Mediterranean resort city of Antalya, Türkiye, brings together heads of state, senior government representatives, international institutions, scientists, businesses, youth advocates and civil society organisations to advance collective responses to the growing impacts of climate change.
During his official visit to Türkiye, President Muizzu attended the formal opening of COP31 and participated in thematic sessions addressing key global environmental challenges. He also delivered the Maldives’ national statement, highlighting the urgent need to confront critical barriers to effective climate action and calling for stronger international cooperation to address the vulnerabilities faced by climate-sensitive nations.
On the margins of the summit, President Muizzu met Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda, World Bank Group President Ajay Banga, Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley of Barbados, and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman of Bangladesh, who was accompanied by his spouse, Dr Zubaida Rahman. He also met Ruslan Edelgeriyev, Aide to the President of the Russian Federation and Special Presidential Representative for Climate and Water Resources.
The President additionally held meetings with Sultan Abdullah of Pahang, Malaysia’s former 16th King, and Tunku Azizah of Pahang; President Dr Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia; Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz of Türkiye; Prime Minister Dr Mohammad Mustafa of Palestine and Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Dr Varsen Aghabekian Shahin; Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan; former United States Secretary of State and former Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry; Vice President Han Zheng of China; and President Nizar Amidi of Iraq.
The extensive programme of bilateral engagements provided an important opportunity for the Maldives to strengthen diplomatic relationships, expand dialogue with development partners and reinforce the country’s position on issues of shared international concern. The meetings also complemented the Government’s broader efforts to increase the Maldives’ visibility and participation in international decision-making, particularly on climate resilience, sustainable development and cooperation with global financial and development institutions.
COP31 is the 31st global conference convened under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, established in 1992. Formal negotiations and associated sessions are focused on advancing practical and sustainable solutions to climate challenges, strengthening international coordination and accelerating implementation of commitments aimed at protecting vulnerable communities and economies.
For the Maldives, one of the countries most exposed to the effects of climate change, President Muizzu’s participation at COP31 provides a key platform to advocate for stronger international support, accessible climate finance and meaningful global action. The Maldivian delegation is participating throughout the conference as discussions continue on strengthening global climate resilience and advancing sustainable solutions for present and future generations.
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