Vice President Demands Increased Global Funding to Tackle Urgent Climate Mobility Crisis

Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef has urged the international community to strengthen cooperation and increase climate finance to protect vulnerable nations facing the growing threats of climate mobility. Speaking at the Berlin Climate Mobility Forum 2026, the Vice President warned that climate-induced displacement is no longer a distant threat but an urgent reality currently shaping the future of the Maldives. Addressing the High-Level Segment on Climate Mobility Principles, Latheef emphasized that the Maldives is aggressively investing in coastal protection and resilient infrastructure to combat rising sea levels. He cited the development of Hulhumalé as a primary example of climate-resilient urban planning, noting that the upcoming Ras Malé project will further this model to enhance human security and stimulate economic growth. The Vice President argued that global climate mobility policies must prioritize resilience to prevent forced displacement, allowing communities to remain in their ancestral homes whenever possible. He stressed that in cases where relocation becomes unavoidable, the process must be planned, voluntary, and conducted with dignity. Highlighting the financial burden on small island developing states, Latheef asserted that vulnerable nations cannot solve these systemic challenges in isolation. He called on international development partners to expand grant-based and concessional financing, while accelerating technology transfers and capacity-building programs specifically tailored to the unique needs of island geographies. Concluding his address, the Vice President reaffirmed the Maldives' support for the Climate Mobility Principles, advocating for a rights-based and people-centered approach. He cautioned that high-level global commitments are insufficient unless matched by concrete actions and tangible funding to ensure affected communities can build a sustainable and resilient future.