Maldives welcomes “The Saudi Green Initiative and The Middle East Green Initiative”

28 March 2021

The Government of the Republic of Maldives warmly welcomes the announcement of the “Saudi Arabia Green Initiative” and the “Middle East Green Initiative” by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, today.

These initiatives, coming on the heels of Saudi Arabia’s noteworthy efforts towards environmental protection during its Presidency of the G-20 Summit last year, is yet another demonstration of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to achieving a cleaner, greener and more inclusive future.

As a long-standing advocate for stronger climate action, and one of the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, the Maldives believes that these initiatives, under the able leadership of The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, will be transformational in combatting the impacts of climate change. The Maldives also echoes the sentiments expressed by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, regarding the false choice between preserving the economy and protecting the environment, and agrees that climate action will enhance economies, sparking innovation and competitiveness.

Climate change is a threat multiplier – impacting all countries, in a variety of ways. International cooperation is essential to generate momentum, and galvanize global action to counter and combat the threats posed by climate change. As the world looks to the twenty-sixth Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to be held in November this year, the Maldives calls on all countries to uphold their commitments under the Paris Agreement. The Maldives stands ready to work with all countries to confront this generational challenge of climate change.