Addressing the global leaders and climate advocates, His Excellency Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan, Special Envoy of the President of Maldives and former President of the Republic, delivered a keynote speech at the 2025 Sustainability Global Leaders Conference held in Shanghai, China. Representing President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, Dr Waheed emphasized the Maldives’ unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and climate resilience, reinforcing the nation’s position as a vocal and active participant in the global climate discourse.
The prestigious conference, which took place in Shanghai from 10–12 October 2025, brought together top government representatives, sustainability experts, and corporate leaders from across the globe to explore solutions under the theme “Innovating for a Resilient Future.” The event served as a high-level platform for discussing sustainable development strategies and addressing the pressing challenges posed by climate change, especially for small island nations.
Addressing the international assembly, Dr Waheed highlighted that for the Maldives, sustainability is not a trend or policy—it is an existential necessity. “When sea levels rise, we lose not just land but our identity, culture, and heritage,” he remarked, speaking to the vulnerability of low-lying island nations like the Maldives, which sits an average of just 1.5 meters above sea level. As the nation with one of the lowest elevations globally, the Maldives is on the frontlines of the climate crisis, facing the reality of rising seas, coastal erosion, and extreme weather.
During his address, Dr Waheed reminded delegates that size does not determine influence. “Small does not mean powerless,” he said, stressing the Maldives’ proactive role in climate advocacy and sustainable innovation. He reiterated the country’s intention to lead by example, through technological adaptation, renewable energy projects, and equitable policies that place both people and the planet at the core of development.
He laid out three strategic pillars to guide international collaboration: Action, Innovation, and Sustainable Growth. Urging world leaders to move beyond symbolic commitments, Dr Waheed called for implementation of measurable outcomes, especially in support of vulnerable states. “We must ensure that no country, regardless of its size or economy, is left behind in this global effort,” he asserted.
In an impassioned call to the global community, Dr Waheed defined true leadership as the courage to act in accordance with science and to put the well-being of future generations above short-term political or economic gain. “The Maldives chooses hope, courage, and partnership,” he stated, closing his remarks with an optimistic vision for a future built on justice, resilience, and inclusive progress.
The presence of Dr Waheed at this influential event further solidified the Maldives’ international standing as a committed advocate for sustainable development. It also offered an opportunity to amplify the nation’s voice in front of major stakeholders at a time when global cooperation is essential for addressing the urgent climate crisis. The event drew participation from high-level delegates representing UN agencies, regional organizations, and multinational sustainability platforms, who praised the Maldives for its consistent and active engagement on climate resilience.
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