Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef has called for stronger international cooperation and increased climate finance to help vulnerable countries address the growing challenges of climate mobility.
Speaking at the High-Level Segment on the Climate Mobility Principles during the Berlin Climate Mobility Forum 2026, Vice President Latheef said climate change was already affecting the lives of people in the Maldives and shaping the future of its islands.
He warned that climate mobility was no longer a challenge for the distant future but an urgent reality that required sustainable and long-term solutions.
The vice president highlighted ongoing efforts by the Maldives to strengthen resilience against climate impacts, including investments in coastal protection, resilient infrastructure and adaptation measures across multiple sectors.
He pointed to Hulhumalé as an example of climate-resilient urban development, saying the planned Ras Malé project would build on that model to create opportunities for safer living, improved human security and economic growth.
Vice President said climate mobility policies should focus on strengthening resilience and preventing displacement where possible, allowing communities to remain safely in their homes. He added that when movement becomes necessary, it should be planned, voluntary and carried out with dignity.
The vice president also stressed that vulnerable nations could not tackle climate-related challenges alone. He called on development partners to expand concessional and grant-based financing, as well as technology transfer and capacity-building programmes tailored to the needs of small island developing states.
Concluding his remarks, Vice President welcomed the Climate Mobility Principles and reaffirmed the Maldives' support for people-centred and rights-based approaches. He said global commitments must be matched with concrete action to ensure communities affected by climate change are able to build resilient futures.