Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Shahid has called for greater global attention to the challenges faced by small states.

He made this called while delivering a keynote address on "Economic Recovery and Challenges faced by Small States" at the Berlin Economic Forum 2023, on Friday.

In his remarks, Minister Shahid stated that small states among the worst affected by the current global economic crisis.

He shared three recommended courses of action that the international community could adopt to address the challenges of small states.

Firstly, Minister Shahid recommended to assist small states by providing targeted solutions to existing problems, including climate change.

Secondly, he recommended the international community to become more innovative with alternative measures. He called for international financial institutions to consider an alternative to GDP when considering concessional financing. He called for the finalization of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) and its implementation.

Thirdly, Minister Shahid recommended that the international community listen to small states to find solutions for collective problems. He said that the voices of small states need to be heard, especially in the international financial system.

He concluded by emphasizing on the need for better collaboration to create a multilateral system that is more equitable, just and fair.

The Berlin Economic forum was held in the margins of the Berlin International Tourism Trade Fair (ITB) from 6-10 March 2023.

The Forum was organized by Academy for Cultural Diplomacy.

Minister Shahid is accompanying President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, on an Official Visit to Germany.