Maldives News Bulletin - Volume 145

Discover latest updates of the Government

Author

The President's Office
September 26, 2024

Date: September 26, 2024 | Issue: 145

The President announces Maldives seeks investors for ocean current energy and novel renewable energy

At the Maldives side event on renewable energy, President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced the country’s initiative to optimise ocean current energy and novel renewable energy and invited investors to explore these opportunities. He also emphasised that investing in renewable energy in the Maldives is a profitable business opportunity.

The President highlighted that Maldives’ renewable energy capacity increased from 53 to 68 megawatts since COP28. He detailed plans to reach net-zero emissions by 2030 with investments in solar, wind, and other renewables while expanding solar installations and cutting fossil fuel use.

The President said that to meet its targets, the Maldives has operationalised a waste-to-energy system in Addu City, is adding a 13-megawatt system in Thilafushi, and is developing low-carbon transportation systems using renewable energy.

President Dr Muizzu urged for affordable climate finance, calling for the New Collective Quantified Goal to ensure easy access and quick disbursement for mitigation, adaptation, loss, and damage while aligning with the 1.5-degree target.

In conclusion, the President stressed that the renewable energy transition enhances climate resilience, strengthens economies, and fosters resilient societies. He hoped the Maldives’ efforts would inspire other nations to advance renewable energy initiatives.

 SOURCE : The President’s Office

Minister Thoriq stresses the need for finance to protect endangered species

 Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Thoriq Ibrahim has cautioned against the challenges of protecting endangered animal species if funds are not secured. The minister made remarks at the Finance Roundtable, organised on leveraging ambition for 30x30 and beyond.

At the meeting, Minister Thoriq underscored the crucial importance of financial access to effectively conserve and manage our oceans and biodiversities in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The minister stated that if the required funds are not secured, it can create several challenges, which could obstruct the work of SIDS members.

The Finance Roundtable served as a platform for nations and institutions to engage in discussions to safeguard the environment while enhancing mutual support. During the meeting, delegates from other countries highlighted the obstacles members of SIDS face. They also stressed the significance of supporting the initiatives undertaken by members of the SIDS to conserve the environment.

The President states that no Maldivian will willingly abandon their island, and we will protect our islands

President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu addressed the High-Level Meeting on Sea Level Rise during UNGA79, stressing that no Maldivian would willingly leave their homeland. He affirmed the nation’s determination to protect their islands and was confident they would endure.

Speaking at the “Livelihoods, Socio-Economic Challenges, and Culture and Heritage in Relation to Sea-Level Rise” session, The President urged the global community to recognise the complex impacts of rising sea levels. He highlighted three key points in this regard:

1. There is a need to diversify economies and protect sustainable livelihoods tied to the ocean.

2. The importance of preserving identity, culture, and heritage by empowering communities, especially women and youth.

3. A call for a global approach to sea-level rise, as no single nation should shoulder the burden alone.

He urged decisive action, emphasising that future generations deserve a secure future for their livelihoods and cultures. He stressed the importance of achieving tangible outcomes, questioning the purpose of their gathering if no progress was made.

SOURCE : The President’s Office

President Dr Muizzu urges a coordinated global response to climate change and rising sea levels.

President, His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu, called for urgent, coordinated global action to address climate change and rising sea levels. He made these remarks while delivering the Maldives statement at the Plenary of the High-level Meeting on Sea Level Rise, held during the ongoing High-Level Week of the 79th United Nations General Assembly session.

In his remarks, the President proposed three key actions:

1. Increase Adaptation Finance: He urged an immediate rise in adaptation finance, addressed the imbalance between mitigation and adaptation efforts, and called for simplifying access to funds and integrating the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) into global financing.

2. Operationalise the Loss and Damage Fund: He highlighted the need to fully implement the Loss and Damage Fund to support vulnerable nations like the Maldives facing severe climate-induced disasters.

3. Facilitate Technology Transfer: The President stressed the moral responsibility of advanced economies to facilitate technology transfer to SIDS and developing countries on favourable terms to enhance climate action effectiveness.

The President also emphasised the need to enhance the adaptive capacity of vulnerable coastal communities and low-lying island states and the private sector’s role in boosting technological capacity.

In conclusion, President Dr Muizzu highlighted the necessity for the Maldives to allocate a significant portion of its budget, which could have been used for other development areas, towards climate response instead due to the nation’s efforts and commitment to survival.

SOURCE : The President’s Office

The President meets with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Commonwealth of Australia and the head of Delegation to UNGA 79 on the sidelines of UNGA 79

President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu met with Her Excellency Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Commonwealth of Australia and Head of the Australia Delegation to UNGA 79 on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly.

The discussions focused on various areas of mutual interest, both regionally and internationally, including the stability and security of the Indian Ocean and tackling climate change and adaptation. The President and the Minister emphasised the importance of ongoing cooperation to address these shared concerns and reaffirmed their commitment to achieving common goals.

At the meeting, the President expressed gratitude to the Australian government for providing scholarship opportunities and hopes to expand similar initiatives.

In conclusion, the President and Minister reaffirmed their commitment to working together in matters of mutual interest and their dedication to further strengthening diplomatic relations between the two nations.

SOURCE : The President’s Office

Higher Education Ministry announces rehabilitation seminar at MNU

The Ministry of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development has announced the commencement of a seminar on rehabilitation at the Maldives National University.

The higher education ministry said the “Dhivehiraajjeyge Haalathu” seminar will focus on the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Rehabilitation 2030 Initiative. The primary goal of this programme is to provide essential medical support to individuals who are unable to participate fully in society due to illness, substance abuse, or other challenges. In addition, the ministry will address the obstacles Maldivians face in accessing rehabilitation health services.

The ministry said that attendees at the seminar would include the Head of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at MNU, Mohamed Nimal, Director General of Health Services from the Ministry of Health, Dr Ahmed Ashraf, and Vice President of Maldives Allied Health and Principal Physiotherapist at IGMH Dr Aishath Mahfooza. The seminar is scheduled for September 26 at 1300hrs in the B-Block Auditorium of MNU.

SOURCE : PSM

Health Minister visits health centres in Jakarta

Minister of Health Dr. Abdulla Khaleel has visited health centres in Jakarta, Indonesia. The health minister is on an official visit to Indonesia to participate in the 12th High-Level Officials Meeting (HLOM) of the Asia Pacific Regional Forum on Health and Environment (APRFHE) as the Head of the Delegation of the Maldives.

During his visit, Minister Dr Khaleel visited Indonesia’s biggest public tertiary hospital, Dr Cipto Mangunkusumo National Central Public Hospital. The minister held discussions with the hospital’s management about the hospital’s digital health, health information management, the treatment provided for the elderly, and the treatment of patients utilising modern technology. Moreover, he is scheduled to discuss with experts in the field and visit healthcare facilities.

The APRFHE forum aims to encourage member states to implement the National Environmental Health Action Plan. The health ministry stated that this forum gives the Maldives an opportunity to gain technical expertise and resources, contributing to developing sustainable and cost-effective healthcare and environmental policies. It further affirmed that Maldivian delegations would collaborate with delegations from other countries within the region to address the shared concerns.

SOURCE : PSM

Islamic Minister pledges to provide more assistance for Islamic education

Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has pledged to increase the assistance provided for education in Islamic fields. During the ceremony, the minister made the remarks to mark signing of an agreement between the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and the Maldives National University (MNU). The deal was signed by Minister Dr. Shaheem and MNU’s Vice Chancellor Dr. Aishath Shehenaz.

Minister Dr. Shaheem stated during the ceremony that the Islamic ministry is undertaking several works and academic programmes in collaboration with MNU. This includes Islamic studies and the programme to train Imams as well. The minister stated that the agreement would facilitate expanding the work on education between the ministry and the national university. Reiterating the ministry’s commitment to support initiatives related to Islamic teaching, he revealed plans to increase the assistance and scholarship opportunities provided for students seeking education in the Islamic field.

Meanwhile, MNU’s Vice Chancellor, Dr. Shehenaz, stated that the agreement will facilitate the widespread provision of education and conduct research and religious awareness programmes in collaboration with the ministry. The vice chancellor revealed that the primary objective of the agreement is to facilitate higher education opportunities in the Islamic field and conduct research related to the field. She added that organising informational trips to foreign countries, building experts, and protecting Islamic morals and values are also objectives of the agreement. Furthermore, Dr Shehenaz affirmed its unconditional support for organising seminars and forums to foster patriotism and the love for Islam and maintain closeness with Islamic scholars.

SOURCE : PSM

❝

“We must abolish the veto”

President Dr Muizzu, at the UN Security Council

In a historic address to the United Nations Security Council, President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu called for significant reforms to the Council’s structure, calling for the abolition of the veto power held by its permanent members. This marks the first time a Maldivian President has addressed the Security Council in the 59 years since the country became a UN member.

President Dr Muizzu reminded the Council of its immense responsibility to maintain global peace and security while also addressing the system’s growing mistrust due to its ineffectiveness and inaction. He added that the declining trust in the Security Council is due to the lack of equal representation, accountability and transparency. He proposed a new intergovernmental process with text-based negotiations to drive reform efforts forward. In this regard, he reiterated the Maldives’ call for a permanent rotating seat for SIDS.

Speaking on the ongoing conflicts, President Dr Muizzu emphasised the “genocide unfolding under the nose of a Security Council unwilling to uphold international law.” The President described the veto power as a barrier to effective decision-making, adding that the veto paralysed the Council from stopping Israel’s genocidal war in Palestine, allowed Israel to continue with

impunity its brutal occupation, and enabled the massacre of innocent people.

Addressing these issues, the President proposed establishing a mechanism allowing real-time, innovative solutions from the international community. President Dr Muizzu also shed light on the need to address the implications of non-traditional security threats, including the use of technology, urging the Council to be more flexible and listen to the people it serves.

He concluded by reminding the Council of its foundational principles, stating that the member states of this Council established a world order based on justice. That architecture is now disintegrating under the weight of bodies of civilians, aid workers, UN staff, and journalists, who represent the very essence of a civilised world. The President’s address highlighted the urgency of reforming the UN Security Council to ensure it can effectively respond to today’s global challenges.

The President delivered his remarks at the United Nations Security Council High-level Open Debate on ‘Leadership for Peace: United in Respect of the UN Charter, in Search of a Secure Future’ held today at the UN Headquarters in New York.

SOURCE : The President’s Office

The President meets with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Singapore, Head of Delegation to UNGA 79 on the sidelines of UNGA 79

President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu met with His Excellency Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Singapore and Head of Delegation to the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), on the sidelines of the UNGA 79 in New York.

The President discussed his goals in the meeting to attract more investments, enhance digital services, and address climate change. He highlighted the need for technical support in public housing and shared plans to develop Ras Malé into a digital, eco-friendly city.

The President highlighted the importance of improving digital infrastructure, particularly for the country’s youth, who comprise 50% of the population.

He emphasised the need for full access to platforms like PayPal, which would help young entrepreneurs reach global markets and promote their innovations.

In addition to development and economic cooperation, the President and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Singapore discussed shared international interests, particularly in the context of both countries being members of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS).

Concluding the meeting, the President and the Minister reaffirmed their mutual commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties and enhancing strategic cooperation on issues of shared interest.

SOURCE : The President’s Office

President’s visit offers hope for the fishing industry: Fisheries Minister

Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has expressed optimism regarding President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s attendance at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79), highlighting its significance for the Maldivian economy and fishing industry.

Minister Shiyam emphasised that the President’s engagements during the visit aim to address the challenges facing the Maldives. He pointed out the recent bilateral meeting between President Muizzu and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. Minister Shiyam noted that the Maldives has been exporting fish to European countries for 12 years but faces high tariffs.

During his meeting with the president of the European Commission, President Muizzu voiced concerns over the tariffs imposed on Maldivian fish products, stating that the over 24% tariff significantly undermines the Maldives’ competitiveness in the EU market. The President stressed that these increased fees substantially disadvantage the Maldivian fishing industry.

The discussions between the two leaders focused on the solid and dynamic relations between the Maldives and the European Union (EU). They expressed a mutual desire to enhance diplomatic ties further. The Maldives’ efforts in climate adaptation and mitigation, aimed at reducing the negative impacts of climate change, were also highlighted.

Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed the EU’s unwavering support for the Maldives, praising the country’s proactive stance on climate issues. She positively acknowledged the Maldives’ request for increased assistance in adaptation and mitigation efforts.

SOURCE : PSM

100 housing units in Kolhufushi to be completed by November: Housing Ministry

The Ministry of Housing, Land, and Urban Development has announced that the completion of 100 housing units in Kolhufushi, Meemu Atoll, is expected by November this year.

The housing ministry said that construction began on February 7, 2023, and the project has been awarded to Rasheed Carpentry and Construction Private Limited (RCC) with a one-year timeframe. However, delays have occurred for various reasons. Initially, the ministry anticipated that the units would be finished by September, but they are now slated for completion in November.

President of the Kolhufushi Island Council Abdul Aleem said that the work on the housing units is currently being done. He noted that all the houses have completed plastering, cementing, and roofing, while wiring and ceiling work has been finalised in 81 of them. He said 40 houses are fully completed, and approximately 81% of the project has been finished. He also emphasised that these housing units will address the housing challenges of the island.

The construction of the housing units on the island initially started in 2019 but was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Work resumed in 2023. Each of the 100 housing units features three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a laundry/storage area. The project, estimated to cost USD 8 million, is funded through the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP).

SOURCE : PSM

MHCL signs agreement with FDC for design services on Niam Residence Project

The Maldives Hajj Corporation Limited (MHCL) has signed an agreement with Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation Limited (FDC) to provide design services for the Niam Residence Project.

Managing Director of FDC Hamdhan Shakeel and Managing Director of MHCL Mohamed Shakeel signed the agreement. It covers architectural, engineering, and consultancy services, including drawings for the Niam Residence. In addition, FDC is offering similar services through agreements with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Maldive Gas.

FDC is working to boost its revenue as it marks its fifth anniversary and expands its mandate. The corporation also noted that completing these projects will create more opportunities within the industry and enhance the company’s profitability.

SOURCE : PSM