Vice President Latheef calls for bold climate innovation at Blue Planet Alliance Fellowship

Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef has called for a break from conventional thinking to foster innovative climate solutions, particularly for nations on the frontlines of the climate crisis.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Blue Planet Alliance Fellowship Programme in Honolulu, Hawaii, VP Latheef underscored the existential threat posed by climate change to small island states like Maldives.

He described the crisis as “a lived reality” rather than a distant possibility.

Despite these challenges, the Vice President reaffirmed Maldives' commitment to climate leadership, highlighting several recent initiatives, including the launch of the country’s "Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC)" and the "Energy Roadmap 2024–2033".

The roadmap outlines an ambitious goal of generating 33 percent of national electricity from renewable sources by 2028.

“This isn’t just a policy commitment. it is a cornerstone of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s national agenda to reduce dependence on fossil fuels,” VP Latheef said.

VP Latheef said the unique challenges faced by small island nations should be viewed as a “catalyst for innovation.”

He praised the Blue Planet Alliance Fellowship as a crucial platform for collaboration among policymakers, utility leaders, and grassroots advocates working to build climate resilience and accelerate clean energy transitions.

“The solutions we need go beyond technology lie in transformative policies, bold financing mechanisms, and shared determination to change the narrative for vulnerable nations,” he said.

The Vice President concluded with a call to action, urging fellows to create ideas that can ripple through communities and shape global climate policy.