During the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France, the Maldives has reaffirmed its global leadership in marine conservation, environmental sustainability, and ocean-climate diplomacy. Representing the nation at several high-level sessions, Minister of Tourism and Environment, Hon. Thoriq Ibrahim, and Minister of State for Tourism and Environment, Dr. Abdulla Niyaz, actively engaged with international partners and policy leaders to drive progress on critical ocean issues and promote Maldives’ commitment to sustainable tourism and marine protection.
On the sidelines of the conference, Minister Thoriq also held discussions with Singapore’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, focusing on strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in areas related to environmental sustainability, climate action, and tourism.
In a productive meeting with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) delegation, Minister Thoriq expressed gratitude for IUCN’s continued support in advancing conservation efforts and protected area management in the Maldives. The two parties explored ways to deepen collaboration in marine biodiversity conservation and sustainable ecosystem management.
The Maldives also joined over 90 countries in endorsing the “Nice Wake Up Call for an Ambitious Plastics Treaty,” a global appeal urging negotiators to finalize a universal and effective treaty on plastic pollution at the upcoming INC-5.2 negotiations. The initiative reinforces the Maldives’ position on the urgent need to address plastic waste, particularly for island nations whose marine environments are directly impacted by marine debris and single-use plastics.
At a side event launching the Global Coalition to Halt Extinction of Threatened Sharks and Rays, Minister Thoriq spotlighted the Maldives’ international leadership in the conservation of sharks and rays, species that play an essential role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems. He reiterated the Maldives’ long-standing commitment to protecting these iconic species, which are critical not only to biodiversity but also to sustainable tourism and ecosystem balance.
Tourism innovation also featured prominently in the Maldives’ engagement during the conference. Minister of State for Tourism and Environment, Dr. Abdulla Niyaz, attended ‘Horizon Maldives – Future Focus’, an event hosted by dnata Travel Group and Emirates Holidays, which celebrated the evolving landscape of Maldivian tourism. Dr. Niyaz acknowledged the instrumental role played by dnata, Emirates Holidays, and Emirates Airlines in supporting the Maldives’ tourism sector. He emphasized the country’s commitment to sustainable growth, strengthening strategic partnerships, and investing in the future of travel.
At the high-level side event “Innovate, Invest, Inspire: Driving Private Sector Partnerships for Ocean Action in Small Island Developing States (SIDS),” organized by the Maldives in collaboration with AOSIS, Latvia, Ireland, and UN-OHRLLS, Minister Thoriq spoke on the unique role of oceans in the lives and economies of SIDS. He reaffirmed that the Maldives is prepared to lead on ocean action and called for enhanced collaboration with the private sector to unlock solutions that align economic development with marine sustainability.
During the Ocean Action Panel on ‘Leveraging Ocean, Climate, and Biodiversity Interlinkages’, Minister Thoriq highlighted the Maldives’ approach to building climate resilience through the protection of marine ecosystems. He called for the urgent ratification and effective implementation of the BBNJ Agreement (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction), which provides a global legal framework for conserving biodiversity in areas beyond national waters. The Minister emphasized that addressing the ocean-biodiversity-climate nexus requires integrated strategies and global commitment.
The Maldives’ strong presence at UNOC3 reflects the nation’s deep-rooted environmental values and its strategic role as a small island state advocating for fair, science-based, and inclusive solutions to global ocean challenges. For international tourists, the Maldives continues to offer more than natural beauty, it represents a destination dedicated to preserving the ocean’s vitality, building a resilient tourism sector, and fostering international partnerships that benefit both people and the planet.
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