Maldives will advocate for financial assistance in SIDS

Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Thoriq Ibrahim has affirmed comprehensive discussions will be held in the 4th Conference of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), pertaining to the financial assistance to combat the impacts of climate change in small nations. The SIDS Conference is a significant conference held once in every ten years. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu will depart for Antigua and Barbuda on May 24 to attend the conference, which will be held from May 27-30. 

Providing insight on the SIDS Conference, Minister Thoriq revealed plans to discuss the provision of financial aid for small and developing countries, overcoming the devastating effects caused due to climate change. Highlighting that the Maldives will be organising three activities for the conference, the minister disclosed that the Maldives will shed light on the adaption issues within the nation and projects which can be launched with a public-private partnership, in the National Side Event. He additionally stated that the side events will outline how technology can be utilised to strengthen the progress of the projects and other measures implemented in the nation.

Speaking regarding the conference, Special Envoy for Climate Change Ali Shareef asserted that the conference will advocate for 
amending the policies in which the financial assistance is provided to small countries. He stated that international authorities, multilateral banks and nations which provide aid often provide the financial assistance depending on the Gross National Income (GNI) and the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) index.

The 4th SIDS Conference will focus on strategies to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, along with other significant issues. A total of 39 countries are members of the SIDS.