24 September 2016, New York; Maldives participated in numerous thematic side events during the High Level week of the United Nations General Assembly addressing the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), engaging to share best practices based on the Maldives experience as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) and to encourage continued political momentum to achieve the SDGs.
On 23 September 2016 Foreign Secretary of the Republic of Maldives Dr. Ali Naseer Mohamed, attended the side event hosted by Tajikistan, UNDP and DESA on revitalizing efforts towards the implementation of water related SDGs and targets. The Foreign Secretary highlighted the importance of finding sustainable solutions to the challenge of water scarcity in the Maldives and other developing countries. Additionally, the Foreign Secretary and Permanent Representative Ahmed Sareer attended the "SDGs: Coming to Life." This unique event provided an opportunity for the United Nations Development Group and United Nations Development Programme to share examples of countries working to mainstream the SDGs into national legislation, and for the Maldives to speak to its national efforts to coordinate implementation of the SAMOA Pathway alongside the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Foreign Secretary Ali Naseer Mohamed also attended the side event hosted by New Zealand focused on renewable energy opportunities, Maldives expressed its commitment to increasing use of renewable energy to mitigate climate change and provide affordable and accessible sources of energy.
On 22 September 2016, the Maldives participated in an event held by Peace Boat entitled, "Ecoship: Sailing for Sustainability and Climate Action". The Peace Boat will sail to raise awareness and advocate for issues of climate change, peace and sustainability. Identifying and acting on the relationship between these issues remains a priority for SIDS as climate change is an ongoing threat to stability and development.
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