Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has co-moderated a roundtable discussion at the European Union (EU) Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum.

The Maldivian minister co-moderated the roundtable discussion regarding pursuing green opportunities and overcoming global challenges at the EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum alongside EU Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson.

Shedding light on the pressing need for transition towards clean, reliable and climate-friendly energy sources in his opening remarks, FM Shahid stressed that political commitment, cooperation and partnerships are essential to work towards the realization of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The roundtable discussion revolved around making green energy affordable and available, promoting renewable energy.

The discussion brought the need to address biodiversity loss, pollution, and the growing energy demand of the Indo-Pacific region, under the spotlight.

Further, the discussions also shed light on the significance of partnerships promoting energy diversification through increased investment and utilizing technology to achieve green transition.

As examples, the upcoming COP28 conference and initiatives such as the EU Global Gateway were cited.

In addition to this, the need for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach applying a gender lens to the challenges and potential solutions, were also emphasized at the discussion.

The roundtable served as a platform to advance dialogue between the Indo Pacific and the EU on the urgent issue of climate change and its impacts on all countries.

As key challenges in achieving the green transition and addressing climate change, availability, accessibility and affordability were highlighted throughout the discussion.

The collaboration between the Indo-Pacific region and EU, facilitated by such forums, is pivotal in achieving said targets as well as to pursue sustainable development.

The Maldivian foreign minister arrived in Stockholm, Sweden on an official visit, on Friday. FM Shahid’s visit to Sweden is from May 12 – 14.

Held in a bid to solidify the partnership between the European Union and the Indo-Pacific region, the EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum is attended by approximately 60 foreign ministers from both the Indo-Pacific region and the EU, as well as representatives from Indo-Pacific regional organizations and other partners.

The forum serves as a crucial platform for assessing global developments and their impact on the respective regions.

Facing multiple mutual challenges, the Indo-Pacific region and the EU enjoy a significant partnership which in turn leads to the cooperation between the EU and the Indo-Pacific region holding immense geopolitical and economic significance.

The EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum plays a pivotal role in facilitating enhanced dialogue and cooperation between the Indo-Pacific and the EU, maximizing the potential for collaboration.

FM Shahid is accompanied by Bilateral Secretary Dr. Hala Hameed and Joint Secretary Mariyam Midhfa Naeem during the visit.