The governments of Maldives and Japan have on Monday launched a training program for harnessing renewable energy sources. 

The multi-country program will host discussion on resolving obstacles to harness renewable energy, funding for adaption to climate change, utilising technology and on the ‘green climate fund’. 

Countries involved a ‘small island developing states’, including Fiji and the Philippines. 

The program was inaugurated at an event with Minister of Environment and Energy Hussain Rasheed Hassan as chief guest. 

At the event, Minister Hussain said that such programs will help vulnerable nations such as the Maldives adapt to impact of climate change, and highlighting the importance of technology in harnessing renewable energy. 

The new Maldivian government has expressed intent to focus more on renewable sources of energy, and has enlisted the aid of the United Arab Emirates in this regard. 

At the COP24 summit in December last year, Minister Hussain called on the assembly to increase global mitigation efforts and come to a formal decision on adopting the outcomes of the Talanoa Dialogue. 

Representatives from the Japanese Environment Ministry and the International Renewable Energy Agency were at Monday’s event.