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Conversations on Clean Energy and Climate Change Mitigation
Maldives | February 24-25, 2025 – UNDP Maldives partnered with the UK in Maldives to host the GREAT Conversations on Clean Energy and Climate Change Mitigation at Villa College, bringing together leading experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from both nations. The two-day event, held on February 24 and 25, 2025, focused on actionable solutions to the global climate crisis and the role of clean energy in ensuring a sustainable future for the Maldives.
The event featured engaging panel discussions, keynote speeches, and sessions addressing opportunities, challenges, and strategies around clean energy, renewable resources, and climate change mitigation. Among the highlights were discussions on business opportunities in the Maldives, the country’s goal of achieving 33% renewable electricity by 2028, and Scottish energy expertise in tidal, wave, wind, and hydrogen energy solutions.
Keynote Insights and Expert Discussions
Keynote speeches were delivered by distinguished figures, including His Excellency Nick Low, British High Commissioner to the Maldives, Honourable Mohammad Saeed, Minister of Economic Development and Trade, and Honourable Thoriq Ibrahim, Minister of Climate Change, Environment & Energy.
H.E Nick Low, British High Commissioner to the Maldives | Dialogue on Clean Energy and Climate Change Mitigation
H.E. Nick Low highlighted the UK’s leadership in reducing carbon emissions, and how its journey could inspire the Maldives, stating, “Between 1990 and 2022, we have cut our greenhouse gas emissions by more than half, largely driven by cleaner electricity generation, where carbon emissions are now down 69%.” He added, “As recently as 2012, 40% of our electricity was generated by burning coal. Today, our emissions are at the lowest level since 1893—a testament to bold policy decisions and strategic investment in renewables.”
The event also featured expert discussions on blue economy opportunities, empowering coastal communities, and the role of NGOs in driving climate action. Sessions on enhancing climate finance tracking and supporting marine management were integral in shaping the path forward for the Maldives' climate strategy.
Shahudh Mohamed, Economist Specialist | Dialogue on Clean Energy and Climate Change Mitigation
The Economic Value of Marine Ecosystems
Shahudh Mohamed, Economist Specialist, emphasized the critical role of coral reefs in sustaining the Maldives' economy. “Eight out of every ten visitors come to the Maldives for the beaches, and six out of ten want to dive and experience marine life. These sectors directly depend on a healthy coral reef system,” he stated. Coral reef systems provide natural protection valued at USD 442 million, underscoring their importance for national resilience, and as a global asset, with Maldives coral reefs covering an area approximately 8,900 km2 in size, which is approximately the fifth most diverse ecosystem of the world’s reef areas..
The Urgency of Energy Transition
Enrico Gaveglia, UNDP Resident Representative, addressed the critical need for energy transition, highlighting that between 2018 and 2023, the Maldives spent an estimated USD 460 million subsidizing fossil fuels, representing an average of 3% of the national budget. “At the end of the day, the energy transition proposition is about bold governance. It’s not just about bringing in new resources—it’s about properly governing the expansion side and ensuring that every dollar saved on energy transition is invested wisely within public finance,” he emphasized.
Thuhufa Abdulla, Project Manager, Resilience and Climate Change Portfolio, UNDP, highlighted the Maldives’ legislative efforts to promote renewable energy. “The Water and Sanitation Act from 2020 now mandates all water production facilities to be powered by renewable energy. By mandating these requirements through the laws, it ensures that any upcoming infrastructure incorporates renewable energy, which is a step towards the transition we’re talking about,” she explained.
Enrico Gaveglia, UNDP Resident Representative | Dialogue on Clean Energy and Climate Change Mitigation
Thuhufa Abdulla, Project Manager, Resilience and Climate Change | Dialogue on Clean Energy and Climate Change Mitigation
Blue Economy and Sustainable Financing Opportunities
In a panel exploring business and investment prospects in the Maldives, Ibrahim Mifrah, Project Manager (Sustainable Finance) at UNDP, shed light on the potential of the blue economy. “The global annual economic value of the blue economy is actually $2.5 trillion. If you measure it, that could make it the 7th largest economy in the world, and it employs over 40 million people,” he stated. He further emphasized the Maldives’ unique position, noting that the blue economy contributes to 36% of the country's total productivity and directly employs nearly half of its workforce.
“Of course, we’re talking about tourism and the fisheries industry, but if we narrow down the blue economy into just fisheries alone, it still accounts for 6% of the country’s GDP and houses over 11% of the country’s jobs,” he added. However, he pointed out that only 2% of fisheries exports had value addition, highlighting a significant opportunity for sustainable financing and value chain development.
Ibrahim Mifrah, Project Manager (Sustainable Finance) | Dialogue on Clean Energy and Climate Change Mitigation
Building Partnerships for a Sustainable Future
The event concluded with productive networking sessions, fostering greater collaboration between stakeholders in the region. Through its continued partnership with the UK, UNDP Maldives remains committed to accelerating efforts to mitigate climate change and promote clean energy solutions, ensuring a sustainable future for the nation.
This dialogue marks a significant step forward in the global fight against climate change, proving that when nations come together, the possibilities for a greener, more sustainable future are limitless.