Good afternoon distinguished colleagues, ladies and gentlemen
Co-Chairs,
Maldives associates itself to the statements made by Bolivia on behalf of G77 and China, Nauru on behalf of AOSIS and Nepal on behalf of LDCs.
Co-Chairs,
The recent findings of IPCC Working Group 2 & 3 underlines that climate change is indeed, a borderless issue. Small or big, all nations are subject to the impacts of climate change. However, the low-lying small island developing states are the most vulnerable to climate change and its associated impacts, particularly food and water security, coastal erosion, devastation from extreme weather events and disruption to livelihood .
The impacts of climate change are already being felt, and that is why we are calling to show leadership, implement bold and urgent actions and avert future generations from impending danger before it’s too late.
Co-Chairs,
We believe pre-2020 mitigation ambition discussions can be accelerated with more political dialogue and commitment. While, we have to consider what we have agreed on Bali, particularly on enhancing delivery of finance, technology, and capacity building. But to achieve these we need courage and leadership from developed countries.
Co-Chairs,
My delegation regards that there must be a balance between the two work streams, if we want to achieve a meaningful outcome as we are mandated by the Durban platform. This would require more dialogue, sharing of knowledge and capacity support towards implementing renewable and clean energy, and energy efficiency programs and projects, towards achieving substantial achievements. Continued dialogue on ways to mobilize solutions is pertinent. We believe, developing countries can play a vital role by extending their support towards achieving short-term ambition. Political dialogue on these issues are an encouraging development.
Co-Chairs,
As we continue our discussions on 2015 agreement under work stream 1, we need to make science and fact based informed decisions and consider the recent scientific developments and findings such as the recent 5th Assessment report of IPCC. Issues such as food and water security, coastal erosion, extreme weather events, disruption to livelihood and other worsening climate impacts cannot be ignored. Therefore, the level of ambition in reducing the Greenhouse Gas emission is very critical in achieving the ultimate objective of the UNFCCC.
It is encouraging to note that the work of GCF is progressing towards its objective. However, we believe that it is important that adequate predictable and sustained financial commitments are an integral part of the 2015 agreement to implement adaptation and mitigation actions. Similarly, there is the need to emphasize on ways of implementing these actions through provision of finance, the transfer of technologies and building capacity.
We firmly believe the new agreement should take considerations on closing the gaps of the current climate finance architecture and flows. This must take into account the adaptation and capacity needs of the most vulnerable countries.
Co-Chairs,
The issue of loss and damage need to be part of the 2015 agreement, and it has to be a separate element under the new agreement. We encourage more dialogue and discussions on this very important issue for us. Loss and damage due to climate change is a reality for small island nations like the Maldives now.
We know the time is limited to achieve all these. But we believe with collaborative efforts and commitments we can make meaningful progress on both work streams.
Co-chairs,
In conclusion, let me state that we have full confidence in your leadership in steering our deliberations to a successful conclusion. And I assure you of our full cooperation and support from my delegation.
I thank you.
