The biggest and most important contribution the construction sector can make in the battle against climate change, is exploring and adopting green construction options, says Vice President Faisal Naseem.

The Maldivian Vice President made this remark while speaking at the opening of the 45th International Federation of Asian and Western Pacific Contractors Associations (IFAWPCA) Convention.

The five-day convention is being held at Paradise Island Resort.

Taking the podium at the convention, VP Naseem shed light on the relevance of the convention's theme to the Maldives, "Construction with Conservation: Building a Better World” and stressed that despite the country's successful construction sector, it has the world's lowest terrain which in turn makes it one of the most vulnerable to climate change and rising sea levels.

Recognizing the importance of using and recycling materials in construction, building smarter, and incorporating alternative energy sources, VP Naseem stressed that it should not stop with nature and that conservation should also focus on preserving the rich culture and heritage of Maldives.

Further, VP Naseem went on to shed light on the development of the construction industry in the archipelago nation, stating that the residential, corporate, and industrial construction sectors have observed a noteworthy transformation since the introduction of tourism more than 50 years ago.

He added that Maldivian tourist resorts are second to none regarding design and construction standards.

VP Naseem went on to note that local artisans, designers, and contractors are reaching new heights alongside international partners and that their creative skills, craftsmanship, and innovative ideas are mirrored in the concepts and new resort developments seen today.

With this, the vice president urged more local companies to explore the prospects of carrying out construction projects in other countries.

An international federation comprising 19 member countries across Asia and the Western Pacific region, IFAWPCA promotes social and economic progress through construction development and is the first IFAWPCA Convention held in the Maldives since the Maldives National Association of Construction Industry (MNACI) joined the federation in 2007.