Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
Sea-level rise, caused by climate change, is a challenge for coastal communities— a Trojan horse that conceals a myriad of threats to our shorelines, communities, cultures, and survival.
For the Maldives, the danger of sea-level rise as a slow on-set event, is a serious concern.
Eighty percent of our islands stand less than one meter above the encroaching tides.
Nearly half of our population, and almost as many homes, are within a mere 100 meters of the coastline.
We’ve been sounding the alarm since Nineteen eighty Seven, yet the problem has only intensified.
Yesterday, at the Plenary, world leaders highlighted the impact of sea-level rise. We heard about the economic losses; threats to food and water security; and the risk of forced migration because of sea level rise.
But let me be clear: no Maldivian would, willingly, abandon their homeland, their island.
We are determined to protect our islands. And, Insha Allah, we will survive.
Distinguished Delegates,
I urge the Panel and Member States to consider the multifaceted nature of sea-level rise. Today, let us explore its impact on livelihoods, socio-economic challenges, and cultural heritage. I will highlight three points.
First, we need to diversify our economies. For that, we need international support and stronger action to reduce emissions to reach the 1.5°C goal. It’s not enough to protect our shores. We need to protect the sustainable livelihoods of those whose lives have always depended on the ocean— a resource that has sustained us for several millennia.
Second, as we pursue economic resilience, we cannot afford to lose our identity, culture, and heritage. Safeguarding cultural identity requires more than words. It demands robust policies, resources, and resilient infrastructure. It requires us to empower communities, especially women and youth
Third, we must rethink how we approach discussions on sea-level rise. Affected and displaced communities should not be left to fend for themselves. Sea-level rise is a global issue, not one caused by any single country, and no single country should bear the burden alone. The United Nations should use the High-level meeting as a catalyst for further discussions.
Future generations would expect us to be more empathetic, innovative, and adaptive. Everyone deserves a future where their livelihoods and cultures are secure. It is time to move beyond dialogue to decisive action.
We brought this issue to the forefront over 30 years ago, and now, with the stakes higher than ever, we find ourselves making the same pleas. If we leave without tangible outcomes today, we must ask ourselves:
Why are we even here?
Thank you.
