Maldives has welcomed the “Saudi Arabia Green Initiative” and the “Middle East Green Initiative”.

In a statement released on Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed the government’s announcement of welcoming the initiatives by the Crown Prince of the Saudi Arabia, Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense.

The initiatives stem from the kingdom’s remarkable efforts towards environmental protection during its Presidency of the G20 Summit hosted during 2020. They have been described to reflect the kingdom’s commitment to achieve a “cleaner”, “greener” and more “inclusive” future.

The ministry reiterated the Maldivian government’s belief that the initiatives will be “transformational” in battling the impacts of climate change, as a long-standing advocate for stronger climate action as well as one of the countries that are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

This will be carried out under the “able” leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

The government also reiterates the Crown Prince’s remarks regarding the false choice between preserving the economy and protecting the environment and agrees that climate action will enhance economies, paving way for innovation and competitiveness.

Expressing that Maldives stands ready to work with all countries to confront the generational challenge of climate change, the ministry noted that the island nation call on all countries to uphold their commitments under the Paris Agreement as the globe awaits the 26th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change slated for November 2021.

As a threat multiplier, climate change impacts all countries in different ways, which makes international cooperation essential to create momentum and provoke global action to battle the threats of climate change.