President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has called for greater international financial and technical support to strengthen early warning systems, stressing that protecting vulnerable communities from climate-related disasters must remain a global priority.

Addressing the Early Warning for All: Delivering on Our Promise to Protect Everyone segment at the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31), the President described early warning systems as a national priority and a critical investment in the Maldives' resilience, preparedness and sustainable development.

He highlighted that, as a Small Island Developing State, the Maldives remains particularly vulnerable to climate-related disasters that threaten lives, livelihoods, infrastructure and key economic sectors, including tourism and fisheries.

President Muizzu noted that the Maldives was the first country in Asia and among the Small Island Developing States to endorse the Early Warnings for All initiative, adding that significant progress had been achieved in its implementation.

Looking beyond 2027, the President called for a more ambitious programme that places Small Island Developing States at the centre of implementation. He emphasised the need to strengthen weather and climate services, improve forecasting capabilities, invest in reliable communication networks and enhance community preparedness to ensure warnings reach people in the most vulnerable areas.

He also stressed that early warning systems must be integrated into national climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction strategies, describing access to such systems as a necessity rather than a privilege and a cornerstone of climate justice.

The President urged developed countries, development banks, climate funds and international institutions to increase financial and technical assistance through grants, concessional financing, technology transfers and capacity-building initiatives.

Concluding his address, President Muizzu reaffirmed the Maldives' commitment to working with international partners to advance the Early Warnings for All initiative and strengthen protection against climate-related threats.