President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has said that an international system that empowers small island developing states to determine their own development goals is crucial.

Speaking at the 31st Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye, the President said the international financial system must recognise the vulnerabilities and challenges faced by small island developing states.

He also called for reforms to the policies of international financial institutions and credit rating agencies when evaluating climate investments.

President Muizzu said developed countries must honour their commitments to support efforts to tackle climate change. He added that such assistance must be new and reliable.