Environment minister departs to Azerbaijan for COP29

Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, Thoriq Ibrahim, has departed for Baku, Azerbaijan, to attend COP29, the largest global environmental conference. Minister Thoriq is accompanied by a delegation of senior ministry officials. Previously, Minister Thoriq stated that the Maldives would play an important role in the COP29 summit. Four events have been scheduled to be organised by the Maldives on the sidelines. These include a renewable energy event in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), an initiative on sustainable coral reef management highlighting the importance of reef conservation, the Maldives’ role as Chair of the COP’s Atoll Nations Group, and a ministerial role championing climate adaptation for small island nations. Ahead of COP29, a special event was held to gather input from young people on environmental issues. Based on their insights, a statement has been prepared by Maldivian youth, which will be presented at COP29. The Maldives is advocating for financial assistance for vulnerable countries like itself to address climate change challenges. The President of the Maldives, Dr Mohamed Muizzu, is also scheduled to attend COP29. Last year, the President attended COP28 in Dubai. This year’s COP summit, themed “In Solidarity for a Green World,” will take place from 11 to 22 November in Baku, Azerbaijan. The COP Summit brings together all UN member states, large and small, to address pressing global environmental issues.