Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef has called for stronger international cooperation and increased climate finance to help vulnerable countries address the growing challenges of climate mobility.

Delivering the opening statement at the High-Level Segment on the Climate Mobility Principles at the Berlin Climate Mobility Forum 2026, the Vice President said climate change is already shaping the lives of Maldivians, the future of the country’s islands, and its development trajectory.

He stressed that climate mobility is not a distant issue but an urgent reality requiring sustainable solutions.

He highlighted the Maldives’ ongoing investments in climate-resilient development, including coastal protection, resilient infrastructure, and adaptation measures across multiple sectors. He cited Hulhumale' as a key example of climate-resilient urban development, noting that Ras Male' builds on this approach to provide long-term solutions aimed at strengthening human security and economic opportunity.

The Vice President said efforts on climate mobility should prioritize resilience, prevention, and enabling communities to remain safely in their homes for as long as possible. He added that any movement of people must be planned, voluntary and dignified.

He also emphasized the importance of adequate and accessible climate finance, saying vulnerable countries cannot address these challenges alone. He called on development partners to expand concessional and grant-based financing, as well as technology transfer and capacity building tailored to the needs of small island developing states.

Concluding his remarks, the Vice President welcomed the Climate Mobility Principles and reaffirmed the Maldives’ support for people-centred, rights-based approaches, adding that such principles must be matched with concrete action to ensure affected communities can build resilient futures.