News Desk
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — At the 24th Meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) held today, Foreign Minister, Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, called for unified regional efforts to address pressing challenges threatening the Indian Ocean region, including maritime security threats, climate change, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Hosted by Sri Lanka under the theme “Sustainable Indian Ocean for Future Generations,” the meeting convened ministers and senior officials from IORA’s 23 member states and 12 dialogue partners to advance regional cooperation.
Dr. Khaleel emphasized the need for coordinated action to tackle shared vulnerabilities, particularly for small island nations like the Maldives, which face existential threats from rising sea levels and environmental degradation. “The challenges we face—be it maritime security or the scourge of IUU fishing—transcend borders and demand collective resolve,” he said, underscoring the Maldives’ commitment to IORA’s vision of fostering sustainable development and regional stability.
The Indian Ocean, a critical artery for global trade, accounts for nearly 50% of the world’s container traffic and 70% of global oil shipments, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. Yet, it faces growing threats from piracy, illegal fishing, and climate-induced disruptions. IUU fishing alone is estimated to cost the region up to $3 billion annually, depleting marine ecosystems and undermining coastal economies.
Founded in 1997, IORA promotes collaboration among its member states, which include Australia, India, South Africa, and Indonesia, among others. The Maldives, which joined as the 22nd member in 2019, has increasingly leveraged the platform to advocate for climate resilience and maritime governance. The meeting followed a virtual session of the Committee of Senior Officials on May 19–20, where preparatory discussions laid the groundwork for today’s commitments.
Sri Lanka, as the current IORA chair, reiterated its focus on sustainability, with proposals to enhance regional frameworks for disaster risk reduction and blue economy initiatives. The ministers adopted several resolutions, including measures to strengthen maritime safety and combat IUU fishing through enhanced monitoring and data-sharing.
Dr. Khaleel’s remarks reflect a broader push by vulnerable nations to prioritize climate action within IORA’s agenda. The Maldives, where 80% of land lies less than one meter above sea level, has been a vocal advocate for global climate commitments, including the Paris Agreement. The minister also highlighted the importance of protecting marine biodiversity, noting that the Indian Ocean hosts over 30% of the world’s coral reefs, which are increasingly threatened by warming waters.
As IORA looks toward its next ministerial meeting, the focus on collective action is expected to intensify, with member states urged to translate commitments into tangible policies. For nations like the Maldives, the stakes could not be higher.
