Henk Rogers, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Blue Planet Alliance,
Distinguished guests,
Fellows from Island Nations,
and a very good morning to you all.
It is a great honour to be here today at the opening of the Blue Planet Alliance Fellowship Programme. I sincerely thank the organisers for inviting me as a special guest to honour this fellowship. I am confident that the Maldives and other nations will have a unique opportunity to share the experiences and strengthen the collective voice of island nations on the global stage.
Every island has its unique geography and setting. I come from a very small island state myself. Our small size, dispersed nature and small economic base put us in a uniquely vulnerable position. However, the Maldives has long stood as an example of resilience for small island nations. The turquoise waters and coral reefs that surround us are not only the lifeline of our economy and culture; they are a reminder of what we all stand to lose.
For us, climate change is not a distant threat but a lived reality. Intensifying storm surges, coastal erosion, and rising sea levels are already reshaping our land and our lives. We, like many climate-vulnerable island nations, fully understand the true cost of inaction.
With the launch of our Third Nationally Determined Contribution, the Maldives has reaffirmed its commitment to climate leadership. We have set targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, build resilience, and drive sustainable growth.
Our Energy Roadmap 2024-2033 aims to generate 33% of electricity from renewables by 2028, reflecting President Dr. Mohammed Muizzu’s commitment to prioritising energy transition and reducing dependence on fossil fuel.
While we aim to achieve this goal, as a small island nation, we face challenges such as limited land, financial resources, and economies of scale. Yet, it is these very challenges that drive us to develop innovative solutions and form strategic partnerships to maximise our impact.
This is where these fellowships become so meaningful. This is more than just a programme; it is a platform for collaboration, innovation, and hope for those of us whose homes are on the frontlines of the climate crisis. Gathered here today are the brilliant minds as policy experts, utility executives, community organisers, and climate-solution advocates who understand perhaps better than anyone, the urgency of bold and coordinated action.
As you embark on this fellowship journey, I urge you to think beyond technology. In our rapidly changing global landscape, innovative policies and financing must be integral to our solutions. Carry this sense of purpose with you. Remember that the solutions we develop here have the potential to ripple far beyond our shores. Let them energise your communities, shaping national policies and influencing global dialogues.
I thank you and wish you all success in this endeavour.