Maldives, having a higher exposure to the negative impacts of climate change, would suffer from a loss of territory, jobs and livelihoods, says Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid.

On the sidelines of the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), FM Shahid participated in a ministerial-level meeting on climate and security organised by the Group of Friends on Climate and Security, where he delivered a statement highlighting the correlation between climate change and security.

Praising the work of the Group of Friends in raising the issue within United Nations which has resulted in a wider acknowledgement from the international community on the serious threat climate change poses to global peace and security, Shahid shed light on Maldives government’s efforts to ensure commitment under the Paris Agreement remains on track while ensuring Maldives remains committed to achieve its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) as soon as possible.

Shahid also cosigned a joint position requesting UN Secretary General to provide regular reporting on climate related security risks to Member States as well as recommended actions to take.

Also on the sidelines of the 74th UNGA, Shahid met Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany Heiko Maas, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Promotion of Malta Abela Carmelo, Minister for Defence, National Security and Foreign Affairs of Fiji Inia Seruiratu as well as Minister for Development of Diaspora Ciaran Cannon.

Following the meeting with Minister Maas, Shahid highlighted that Germany displayed “exemplary leadership” in acquiring a wider acknowledgement of risks of climate change to global peace.

Also, Shahid expressed Maldives appreciation for the work Ireland does to raise awareness about the need to preserve and protect its waters, upon meeting Minister Cannon.

Shahid also held discussions about the common challenges faced by small states and Maldives re-joining the Commonwealth of Nations, with the Maltese Minister.