VP Advocates for Developing Nations’ Leadership in Climate Action and Condemns Aggression in Gaza

“Developing nations must take a leading role in advancing climate action to pave the way for a prosperous future” said Maldives Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef, while speaking at the 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) held in Kampala, Uganda.

The Vice President’s remarks were part of the Maldives statement delivered at the summit, underscoring the urgent need for global cooperation in addressing climate change.

Stressing that climate change knows no borders, Vice President Latheef highlighted the disproportionate impact faced by developing countries due to resource limitations. As such, he called on NAM member states to deepen cooperation in countering new and emerging threats while underscoring the organization’s role in fostering unity in diversity.

Turning attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the Vice President condemned the deliberate acts of aggression by Israeli forces against innocent Palestinian civilians in his statement. He reiterated the Maldives’ strong condemnation of Isreal, voicing support for South Africa’s application before the International Court of Justice to declare the State of Israel in breach of the Genocide Convention. The Vice President went on to call for international unity in intensifying calls for an immediate ceasefire and a permanent solution for peace, advocating for the establishment of a sovereign and independent State of Palestine based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Furthermore, the Vice President emphasized the need to revitalize and reform the United Nations and its Security Council. He highlighted the crucial role of NAM in ensuring a peaceful, stable, and prosperous future for all, emphasizing the movement’s responsibility in guaranteeing peace, shared affluence, prosperity, and security through international cooperation and integration. The Vice President underscored the necessity for NAM to adapt to ever-changing global dynamics, aiming to create a world where hope triumphs over fear, peace over conflict, and resilience over vulnerability.

Currently attending the 19th NAM Summit and the Third South Summit in Uganda, Vice President Latheef’s statements reflect the Maldives’ commitment to fostering global cooperation and addressing pressing issues on the international stage.

Under the theme of “Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence, the NAM summit was held from 19-20th January at the Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala. With 120 member states, the forum was originally established under the Bnadung principles; they include respecting for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations, recognising equal rights for all races and nations, and refraining from involvement in the domestic affairs of other countries.