President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has discussed the need for multilateral support to achieve the climate goals of the Maldives with the President of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (PGA) Abdulla Shahid. The discussions were held during the meeting held at the President's Office during the official visit to the Maldives undertaken by Shahid, who is also the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives.
President Solih welcomed the PGA to the Maldives upon his arrival and conveyed his hope that the United Nations (UN) will flourish under his presidency of the general assembly. The president encouraged the PGA to make full use of this opportunity to further progress the foreign interests of the Maldives.
During the meeting, President Solih and PGA Shahid discussed the most pertinent global and local interests, highlighting issues such as safeguarding human rights, climate change, and advocacy for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the international arena. As such, President Solih outlined the Maldives climate goals, revealing that while the country has regulations and policies in place, technology is the path forward to overcome the challenges exacerbated by climate change. The president requested aid from the PGA in this endeavour, underscoring the need for multilateral support to build sustainable climate resilience and achieve our climate goals.
Speaking at the meeting, Shahid said the success of the Maldivian foreign policy and his successful bid for the presidency of the UNGA were moments of pride for all of the Maldives. The PGA said his Presidency of Hope and Five Rays of Hope were inspired by the Maldives and he remains dedicated to progressing the UN and promoting the priorities of the Maldives on the global stage.