The Speaker of Parliament, Abdul Raheem Abdulla, has called for stronger global efforts to promote climate-resilient urbanisation, particularly for vulnerable island nations.
Speaking at the 5th Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Parliamentary Network in Istanbul, held alongside the IPU 152nd Assembly, he highlighted the risks faced by small island developing states such as the Maldives.
Addressing the conference theme on climate-resilient urbanisation, Speaker Abdul Raheem pointed to challenges including sea-level rise, coastal erosion and flooding, describing them as urgent concerns requiring coordinated action. He emphasised the role of parliaments in strengthening legal and policy frameworks related to environmental protection, climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction and sustainable land use. He also underlined the need to integrate climate priorities into national development strategies.
Speaker Abdul Raheem said parliaments play a key oversight role in ensuring government accountability through committee work, budget scrutiny and policy review. He added that such efforts help support sustainable investments in sectors such as housing, transport, water and sanitation, energy and waste management. Referring to domestic initiatives, he noted that the Maldives’ Parliament has established a dedicated committee on environment and climate change to maintain focus on related policies and legislation.
He also highlighted the importance of improving access to international climate finance, encouraging innovative financing mechanisms and promoting public-private partnerships to support sustainable infrastructure. In his remarks, Speaker Abdul Raheem expressed concern over ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, warning of their potential humanitarian and economic impacts, and called for restraint, dialogue and peaceful resolution.
He concluded by reaffirming the Maldives’ commitment to working with other parliaments to advance climate-resilient urbanisation and ensure a sustainable future.