Panel Discussion 4: Generation Adapt: RISING - Opening Remarks by UN Resident Coordinator Mr. Hao Zhang

Young Maldivians are not only future leaders. They are already innovators, advocates, and problem-solvers navigating climate impacts in real time.

Member of the Parliament, and the Chair of the Environment and Climate Change Committee, Honorable, Mr. Abdulla Raafiu, His Excellency Ahmed Shiaan, Secretary of Multilateral Affairs, State Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Ambassadors and High Commissioners from the Diplomatic Community, Development Partners, Representatives from MATI in the Tourism Industry, Representatives from the Academia, Civil Society Members, Students and Parents, distinguished guests, and UN colleagues,

Assalam Alaikum,

It is my pleasure to welcome you to this final panel discussion in the MV60 - UN80 series, organized to commemorate two important milestones - the 60th anniversary of the Maldives' membership in the United Nations and the United Nations' 80th anniversary.

Over the past months, this commemorative series has brought together government partners, civil society, academia, development partners, and most importantly - young people, to reflect on our shared development journey and the priorities that will contribute to and support the Maldives' continued development efforts.

Today's discussion titled, "Generation Adapt: RISING", is both timely and necessary.

The Maldives stands on the frontline of the climate crisis. Here in Maldives, climate change is not an abstract or distant risk - it is a lived reality that affects communities, livelihoods, ecosystems, and long-term national development. Adaptation, therefore, is not only an environmental priority; it is a development, economic, and human security imperative.

What makes today's conversation particularly important is its focus on young people.

Young Maldivians are not only future leaders. They are already innovators, advocates, and problem-solvers navigating climate impacts in real time. Their experiences, ideas, and leadership are essential if adaptation efforts are to be effective, local, inclusive, and sustainable.

This final session in the series is a reminder that building resilience is not the responsibility of any one institution. It requires partnerships - strong, trusted, and sustained. Across multiple stakeholders.

I would like to sincerely acknowledge the close collaboration of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Tourism and Environment, UNDP Maldive, Ahmadhiyya International School and Nature Maldives who have contributed to making this series possible. Your engagement reflects the spirit of partnership that has defined the Maldives-United Nations relationship over the past six decades.

The discussions throughout this series have reaffirmed the UN's role as a trusted partner and convenor, bringing together diverse voices to listen, to learn, and to co-create solutions.

As we conclude these commemorative panel discussions, our focus now shifts firmly to the future.

The United Nations remains committed to working alongside the Government of Maldives, civil society, academia, private sector, communities, and especially young people to strengthen climate resilience, mobilize adaptation finance, support locally led solutions, and ensure that no island - and no generation is left behind.

Because adaptation is not only about surviving change.

It is about shaping a future where young people can live with dignity, opportunity, and a strong sense of belonging on their own islands.

I hope today's discussion will move us beyond awareness toward practical ideas, stronger partnerships, and concrete actions that match the urgency of the moment.

Thank you, and I look forward to the discussion.