President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said that strengthening early warning systems is a national priority for the Maldives, describing it as a vital investment in resilience, disaster preparedness and sustainable development.
The President made the remarks while speaking at the “Early Warnings for All: Delivering on our Promise to Protect Everyone” segment, held on the sidelines of COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye.
He said early warning systems are an essential tool for small island developing states (SIDS) like the Maldives, to protect lives, livelihoods and communities from climate disasters.
He noted that climate hazards are causing major disruption to people, infrastructure and the country’s key economic sectors, tourism and fisheries.
The President said the Maldives was the first country in Asia to endorse the “Early Warnings for All” initiative, and among the first small island states to adopt it. He added that the country has made significant progress under the initiative.
While global awareness of the issue is growing, he stressed that the progress must bring real, practical benefits to vulnerable countries, especially small island states.
“Looking beyond 2027, we call for a broader EW4All programme centred on SIDS,” the President said. He said this should include stronger weather services, better forecasting, investment in reliable communication networks, improved community preparedness, and warnings that reach every last person.
President Muizzu also called for early warning systems to be built into national climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction strategies. He said they must not be seen as a privilege, but as a necessity and a cornerstone of climate justice.
He urged developed countries, development banks, climate funds and international institutions to increase financial and technical support through grants, concessional loans, technology transfer and capacity building.
The President welcomed the work under way through the initiative, and assured that the Maldives stands ready to work closely with all international partners to achieve its goals.
