بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu, President of the Republic of Maldives,
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economic Development of Tuvalu, Honourable Panapasi Nelesone
Minister of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism & Development of Palau, Honourable Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl,
Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade His Excellency Mohamed Saeed,
Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises His Excellency Hassan Zareer
Cabinet Ministers and Senior Officials,
Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives,
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, a very good afternoon and “Maruhabaa” to the “sunny side of life”!
“SIDS can, and SIDS must lead!
We can shape and steer our future.
SIDS must stand as beacons of resilience and innovation.
Setting examples for the world to follow.”
Two years ago, in the “land of 365 beaches” – Antigua and Barbuda – President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, declared these words.
Words that began the journey that brings us all here today.
We are proud and happy to welcome you to the Maldives.
For a conference that will showcase our resilience and innovation.
That will build partnerships and friendships.
Prosperity and progress.
It was 37 years ago, on a sunny day like this, that representatives from small island developing States and their friends, from across the world, gathered in the Maldives, to discuss the impacts of sea level rise on small States.
On 18 November 1989, they adopted the Malé Declaration on Global Warming and Sea Level Rise.
That document became the catalyst for the creation of the Alliance of Small Island Developing States (AOSIS).
That conference became the first gathering of its kind.
The first time any State, small or large, had so publicly declared the destructive impact of global warming and sea level rise, as a threat to humanity.
Since then, small island developing States have become a driving force in global efforts to address climate change.
To ensure sustainable development, that leaves no one behind.
To mobilize affordable, adequate and accessible finance.
The Maldives is proud to have been a part of this story, alongside our fellow SIDS;
Together, we served in the trenches.
And dare I say, come out stronger.
We confronted the impossible challenges, with unparalleled determination.
We faced adversity, with hope.
The Maldives has been building on its legacy as an innovator - At home and abroad.
Under President Muizzu’s Maldives First foreign policy, we are determined to deepen our engagement on multilateral forums.
Have a seat at every table but also ensure we are heard.
Lead, especially on issues of critical importance for Maldives and others like us.
We are looking towards digitizing our economy, and artificial intelligence as the next phase of our development journey.
We are looking at generating our electricity through greener, more sustainable ways. And in turn, building more resilient and durable cities and islands.
We are looking at investing in a more creative people, building a more skilled, healthier, and educated workforce for the challenges of tomorrow.
We are investing in our digital infrastructure.
These plans, the lessons and challenges that shaped them, is what we hope to share with you here over these two days.
In 2014, the SIDS Global Business Network was launched to build connections, bridge divides, and boost investment.
A decade later, those connections span oceans and continents.
This network has been a vessel to find solutions for the very unique challenges the private sectors in our countries face.
It has also been a mechanism for investors to find partners in SIDS, generating projects and investments that continue to benefit our peoples.
Today, we go a step further.
Today, we will launch the Island Investment Forum – a key outcome from the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS).
A vehicle that will find practical solutions, fund genuine partnerships, and direct much-needed finance, know-how, and investment into SIDS.
Sustainable development requires stronger partnerships with the private sector, investors and innovators.
Today, we bring together governments, business communities, private sector, academia and civil society.
It is the start of a renewed effort to invest in SIDS – especially in today’s very challenging global environment.
Our message – SIDS are not liabilities. We are good investments.
Our populations are young. They are educated and driven.
Our economies, small, yet robust and ready for innovation.
Here in the Maldives, we have many experiences to share. Many lessons we have learnt, and are ready to share.
Our pioneers have built the “World’s Leading Tourism Destination” from nothing.
Our fishing community have built the “most sustainable tuna fishery” from our traditions.
Today, we look ahead.
With the support of many partners within the Government, the State Owned Enterprises, and the private sector, we have put together a programme that will combine discussions on challenges, best practices, and practical solutions.
We hope our efforts will result in a productive, and useful stay here in the Maldives.
The Maldives is preparing for an ambitious future. A developed country by 2040.
But we know we cannot do it alone.
We believe in partnerships. Efforts that “raise all boats”.
Because this winding path of development, is fraught with ups and downs, surprises and hardships.
It is a path, best travelled, with friends by your side – supporting you through the pain, and celebrating with you through the wins.
I wish to express our sincere appreciation to his Excellency the President for granting us with his presence at this event today.
Before I conclude, I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS), as well as the United Nations Resident Coordinators’ Offices, for their continued support and valuable contributions.
I also wish to extend my sincere appreciation to the Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade His Excellency Mohamed Saeed, and his dedicated team, especially Invest Maldives, for partnering with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in delivering this Forum.
I also wish to extend my thanks to the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprise His Excellency Hassan Zareer especially the Planning Department for the support extended in organising the field visits.
Once again, welcome to the Maldives. Where the sun, seas and sand are 24/7, (except ofcourse when it rains).
We hope you enjoy our vivid blues, our bright turquoises, and exceptional whites.
But most importantly, we hope that this opportunity provides the space to build strong networks, learn new solutions and foster new partnerships that will bring resilient prosperity for our countries, our peoples; for generations to come.
I thank you.