VP Latheef urges G77 to unite, push for greater climate action

Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef has shed light on the urgent need to scale up climate finance and increased climate action.

The Maldivian Vice President said this while delivering the statement of the government of Maldives at the Third South Summit of the Group of 77 and China on Sunday.

The summit was held under the theme "Leaving No One Behind."

Delivering his statement, VP Latheef called on the Group of 77 and China to push for additional financing towards greater climate action.

Advocating for the ready availability of concessional finance, VP Latheef expressed the need for access to funds to be made easy and the consideration of measures beyond GDP per capita.

Shedding light on the leverage acquired in promoting the shared interests of member nations in the international arena, through the common positions by G77, the Maldivian VP stressed the urgent need to scale up climate finance, particularly on adaptation.

He also noted that the group's unity was vital to operationalize the ‘Loss and Damage Fund’ during the 28th Session of the Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28).

VP Latheef went on to express hope that the fund would pave the path for assistance to those who need it the most, and that partners in the developed world would generously contribute to the fund.

In addition to this, VP Latheef shed light on the plight of the Palestinian people, reiterating the strong commitment of the Maldivian government to continue condemning the aggression by the Israeli forces.

The Maldivian vice president also reaffirmed the Maldivian government’s unceasing support on the matter until the global community finds a solution.

VP Latheef headed to the Republic of Uganda on an official visit on January 17.

The Maldivian vice president’s trip is to attend the 19th Summit of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Heads of State and Government and the Third South Summit.

The 19th Summit of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Heads of State and Government and the Third South Summit was organized under the framework of Group 77 and China and was held in Kampala, Uganda.

Since becoming a member of NAM back in 1976, the archipelago nation has been an active participant in the movement which consists of 120 member states.

In 1976, Maldives also joined The Group of 77 (G77) and China.

The island nation has been active participant at the group’s meetings regarding issues of global interest, including the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), climate change and particularly utilizing the platform to advocate on behalf of Small Island Developing States (SIDS).