President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that he will depart tomorrow for Turkey to attend the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), held in Antalya, Turkey.
The President confirmed his travel plans during a press briefing at the President’s Office, noting that high-level segments of the conference will proceed on November 11–12. Following the briefing, the President’s Office spokesperson affirmed the destination and forum, stating: “Yes. COP. Antalya.”
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Addressing reporters, President Muizzu underscored that the Maldives has historically maintained an active, pioneering voice in global climate advocacy, describing the talks as vital for the low-lying island nation. He stressed that the Maldives approaches climate action with deep responsibility across both national initiatives and multilateral diplomacy.
Muizzu highlighted the critical necessity of mitigating climate change damage to safeguard the country’s sustainable development, pledging to use the Antalya platform to push the administration’s environmental goals. He cited domestic priorities currently underway, including achieving 33 percent of national electricity demand through renewable energy and the ongoing nationwide five-million-tree planting initiative.
The President stated that he intends to draw international attention to urgent local vulnerabilities, specifically the accelerating threat of coastal erosion across the archipelago.
Recognizing the challenges faced by individual small nations on the global stage, Muizzu pointed out that the Maldives amplifies its diplomatic influence by negotiating as part of a unified alliance alongside the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) bloc.
“Even so, there are various instruments agreed upon collectively, along with signed treaties and accords,” Muizzu remarked. “The Maldives will benefit to the extent that these instruments and agreements are actually implemented.”
