In a compelling address at the High-Level International Conference on the Preservation of Glaciers, His Excellency Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef issued a passionate call for united and immediate global action to combat the accelerating loss of glaciers and the looming threat of rising sea levels.
Held from May 28 to 29, 2025, in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, the international conference brought together heads of state, ministers, scientists, and environmental experts from across the globe to deliberate on the preservation of glaciers, a pressing issue directly impacting the world’s freshwater supplies, climate stability, and vulnerable low-lying nations. The event served as a critical platform for advancing scientific cooperation, policy dialogue, and financing strategies to address glacial retreat and its consequences.
Delivering remarks during the opening session, Vice President Latheef conveyed the Maldives’ deep concern over the increasing pace of glacial melting, linking it directly to rising sea levels, a life-threatening reality for small island nations. He stressed that the Maldives, despite its minimal contribution to global emissions, faces existential threats from climate change.
In his statement, the Vice President shared the Maldives’ most recent climate initiative, the submission of its third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). The updated NDC outlines a bold and practical strategy aimed at fostering national resilience and steering the country toward a low-carbon future. With adequate international assistance, the Maldives has committed to reducing 1.52 million tonnes of carbon emissions by 2035 and generating 33 per cent of its electricity from renewable energy sources by 2028.
Calling on all nations to revise and submit enhanced NDCs ahead of COP30, the Vice President urged for greater ambition, transparency, and a true sense of urgency. He warned that symbolic promises would not suffice and emphasized that global climate action must be genuinely transformative to be effective.
Furthermore, Vice President Latheef emphasized the disproportionate burden shouldered by Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and reiterated the need for international policies that are responsive to their specific vulnerabilities. He advocated for tailored support including concessional climate finance, adapted technologies, and meaningful capacity-building to strengthen the ability of island nations to confront environmental threats.
Concluding his address, the Vice President reaffirmed the Maldives’ enduring commitment to global environmental collaboration. He called for enhanced solidarity and cooperation in the global fight against glacier loss, stressing that melting ice is not just a regional issue but a global emergency that demands swift and unified intervention.
This high-level participation and climate leadership showcased by the Maldives underscores its active role in global environmental diplomacy a compelling message for eco-conscious travellers and stakeholders who value sustainability and international cooperation.
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