News Desk
Implementation has officially begun on a landmark United Nations resolution aimed at protecting the sovereignty and legal rights of small island states vulnerable to rising sea levels.
The unanimous decision by the UN General Assembly guarantees that the statehood, UN membership, and sovereign rights of small island and coastal nations will remain intact, even if sea level rise impacts their physical land area.
Decided under international law and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the ruling ensures that designated Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) and maritime boundaries will stay fixed despite changes to land territory. The resolution also calls on the international community to significantly boost financial support for small island states facing severe environmental threats.
Maldives has long stood on the front lines of global climate advocacy. This track record stretches back 37 years to the historic 1989 Male’ Declaration. Building on this foundation, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu continues to advocate across international forums, urging global powers to scale up climate financing for vulnerable island nations.
Addressing a high-level UN General Assembly meeting on sea level rise, Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef warned that inaction is not an option. He highlighted how rising seas threaten critical infrastructure, local livelihoods, and key economic sectors.
The Vice President called for immediate international action, faster disbursement of climate finance, and full protection of sovereign rights under international law.
