Remarks by UN Resident Coordinator Mr. Hao Zhang delivered at the Commonwealth Secretariat Climate Finance Roundtable in Maldives

Distinguished representatives of the government of Maldives and the Commonwealth Secretariat, Development Partners, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning.

Let me begin by expressing my sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy and the Commonwealth Secretariat for convening this important and timely roundtable.

For small island developing states like the Maldives, climate change is not a distant risk. It is a present and escalating reality. It affects every aspect of life, from infrastructure and livelihoods to ecosystems, food systems, and public health.

Despite clear national leadership and priorities, the Maldives continues to face a significant climate financing gap. Domestic resources alone cannot meet the scale of adaptation and resilience needs. Access to predictable, long-term, and concessional international finance remains essential to ensure no island and no community is left behind.

As highlighted by the UN Secretary-General yesterday in his address at the London Climate Week, climate impacts are accelerating, and adaptation is no longer optional but essential to safeguard lives, economies, and development gains. He also stressed that solutions depend on finance that is faster, fairer, and far more accessible to developing countries.

This is why today’s roundtable is so important. It is an opportunity to move beyond dialogue and towards solutions, unlocking finance and addressing barriers to investment.

The United Nations in the Maldives stands firmly with you in this effort. We are currently finalizing a new United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for 2027–2031, which will guide our collective work with the Government and partners. At its core is a shared vision of a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable Maldives.

A key pillar of this framework focuses on strengthening resilience to climate, environmental, and disaster risks, while advancing sustainable development. Climate finance central. Not only as a stand-alone issue, but as an enabler of progress across sectors.

The UN system brings technical expertise, global knowledge, and convening power to support this agenda working across climate, finance, governance and community resilience.

Most importantly, we are committed to working as One UN, in a more cohesive, coordinated, and integrated manner, to better support national priorities and maximise impact.

I am encouraged to see strong engagement from the government, bilateral partners, international financial institutions, and the private sector. This reflects a shared commitment to building a more resilient and sustainable future.

I would also like to acknowledge Mr. Adnan Cheema, UNDP Resident Representative, who will join the roundtable alongside the Australian High Commissioner, British Acting High Commissioner, and representatives from UNEP and the Green Climate Fund, an important example of collaboration driving climate finance solutions in the Maldives.

Let me conclude by reaffirming the commitment of the United Nations to support the Maldives in mobilising finance, strengthening systems and capacities, and advancing its vision of resilient, sustainable, and liveable islands.

Together, we can ensure that climate resilience becomes a reality for all. Thank you.