Operationalizing Integrated National Financing Framework (INFF) in the Maldives to prioritize and mobilize financing for Climate Action and Quality Social Service Delivery to accelerate the achievement of Agenda 2030.

I extend a very warm welcome to the Minister of Finance, Mr. Ibrahim Ameer, members from the INFF Oversight Committee, officials from the Government of Maldives, colleagues from the UN SDG Joint Fund who are connecting online and my colleagues from the UN family.

Today marks a very significant milestone as we officially launch the Integrated National Financing Framework for the Maldives. This is a key experimental and innovative global initiative from the United Nations, and its successful delivery comes after 2 years of intensive work. It gives me pleasure also to share with you, that from the 86 countries that are working on an INFF, Maldives is also the first SIDS country to successfully launch. It is an achievement for which all of us here today should be very proud.

For the UN Team, it is also the first major joint programme since the end of the LECRED programme in 20XX. In line with the demands by UN Member States to streamline and enhance the expertise of the UN Development System to generate high impact results on the ground, an innovative joint programme such as the INFF is a critical piece which demonstrates the expertise and role of the UN in upper middle income countries as a provider of integrated policy advice with the potential to unlock a series of portfolios which can accelerate delivery of the 2030 Agenda. This programme has two components, the first on climate financing, and the second focussing on strengthening the quality and access of social services. Today, we are highlighting the  results of efforts in the climate action space.

As a small island developing state that is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, as all SIDS are, the Maldives recognizes the urgent need to prioritize investments in climate-friendly projects. Under this component, we delivered 1)xxxx, 2)xxxx, 3)xxxx

To operationalize now this work, and through the INFF, Maldives is exploring the establishment of climate finance hubs that will provide innovative financing solutions to tackle climate change.

These hubs aim to create a platform for mobilizing finance for climate action and to facilitate private sector engagement in climate-friendly investments. Additionally, the hubs will provide capacity building and knowledge-sharing on climate finance and create synergies with other regional and global climate finance initiatives.

The establishment of these hubs in the Maldives will not only help to accelerate the country's transition towards a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy but also contribute to achieving the country's climate goals. However, it is important to note that the establishment of climate finance hubs is a complex process that requires a comprehensive approach and sustained efforts from all stakeholders. Our continued collaboration building on our work here together will be the key determinant of success moving forward.

On behalf of the UN team, I reassure you of our continued support to achieving the full vision of this initiative, and working with partners to mobilize resources and expertise. Together, we can accelerate climate action and secure a better future for generations to come.

Of course, this work comes amid a series of potentially transformative initiatives and events happening globally on the climate action agenda. As you know, the UN Secretary-General has placed an urgent and action-oriented priority towards ensuring that global temperate rise does not exceed 1.5 degrees. As we speak, the Maldives is hosting the second meeting on the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA), UN  Member States are preparing for 28th COP on Climate Change in Egypt in November, and the UN Water Conference kicks off in New York tomorrow. 

We recognise and encourage the Maldives to continue its exceptional leadership on the global stage to generate the traction needed to make meaningful climate action a reality.

Finally I take this opportunity to reiterate the UN’s commitment to all efforts that lead to a happier, more sustainable, and peaceful future that benefits all Maldivians in line with the Government’s national development priorities.

Thank You