Ambassador Kong Xianhua of China delivered his first official address in the Maldives at the International Zero-Carbon Islands and Green Low-Carbon Development Exchange Conference, held today at Villa College. The event brought together high-level delegates including Maldives’ Minister of Tourism and Environment, Thoriq Ibrahim, and Yantai Mayor Zheng Deyan.
Ambassador Kong underscored the urgency of climate action, calling it a shared responsibility of humankind. He highlighted China’s commitment to peak carbon emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, noting that the country now leads in renewable energy systems and new energy exports, including electric vehicles, lithium batteries, and photovoltaic products.
Praising Yantai City and its island Changdao as models for green transformation, the Ambassador emphasized the Maldives' pivotal role in global efforts, particularly following the launch of the International Zero-Carbon Island Cooperation Initiative at COP29 in Baku. He cited President Muizzu’s strong endorsement of the initiative as a “critical and hopeful step forward.”
Ambassador Kong noted that China remains one of the Maldives’ most important climate partners, contributing 36.7% of the country’s renewable energy and nearly 45% of its PV capacity. He announced plans for a modern nursery in Hulhumalé, supported by the National Forestry and Grassland Administration of China and Fujian Province, to assist the Maldives in its goal of planting five million trees and reaching 33% renewable electricity generation by 2028.
Calling for deeper collaboration, he commended the Maldives’ expertise in green resort development and urged joint efforts to build sustainable and resilient islands. He concluded with a message of enduring friendship and environmental stewardship between both nations.