The President of Maldives, Dr Mohamed Muizzu, met with the President of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe today in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), on the sidelines of the Twenty-Eighth Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28).
At the meeting, President Dr Muizzu and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe discussed the long and historic relations between the two countries, and explored avenues to strengthen it that are based on mutual respect and shared values. These include people to people relations, tourism cooperation, and education sector among others.
Both leaders also discussed their respective countries' climate change policies and adaptation efforts.
In their closing remarks, both leaders expressed confidence in addressing challenges and seizing opportunities through collaborative efforts.
Meanwhile, addressing the 28th session of the Conference of Parties (CoP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Dubai, UAE today (01), President Ranil Wickremesinghe acknowledged the historical significance of the UN Conference on Human Environment, emphasizing its goal to defend and improve the environment for present and future generations.
He referenced the alarming findings of the UNEP Report of 2023, titled "Broken Promises," which warns of a 3-degree Celsius increase in global temperatures by the end of the century.
Highlighting the challenges faced by developing countries, President Wickremesinghe stressed the disproportionate vulnerability and impact due to lower adaptive capacities in Finance, Technology, and Climate investments. He cited the Independent High-Level Expert Group Report on Climate Finance, which underscored the need for at least a US$ Trillion per annum to combat climate change.
The President commended the Government of the United Arab Emirates for hosting the crucial event and expressed gratitude for their warm hospitality
Expressing concern about the lack of concrete measures in the Transitional Committee's report on funding arrangements, the President called for a more transparent approach, particularly addressing issues of global debt relief. He questioned the wisdom of avoiding contentious issues, emphasizing the urgency of the climate crisis.
President Wickremesinghe advocated for climate justice accessible to all nations and proposed a resolution for a Climate Justice Forum. This forum, agreed upon at the 5th Forum of the Ministers of Environmental Authorities of Asia Pacific, aims to provide a platform for constructive and proactive engagements, with the proposal scheduled for the UN Environment Assembly on 6th February 2024.
