UN permanent rep draws attention to challenges faced by SIDS

Friday, November 6th, 2009

Maldives Permanent Representative to the United Nations Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed reiterated the issues and challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in achieving the internationally agreed developmental goals of sustainable development.

He said this in a statement given to the Second Committee on Wednesday in the ongoing session of the General Assembly.

During the statement, the Maldives Permanent Representative noted the unique characteristics of the SIDS and emphasized the cumulative effects of the global food, fuel and financial crises. Drawing special attention to the Maldives, Ambassador Ghafoor highlighted the threats posed to the country’s fragile eco-system due to increased global temperatures and rising sea levels.

Ambassador Ghafoor outlined the consequential economic effects of increased environmental degradation on small island developing states such as the Maldives. He noted that fisheries, one of the primary industries of the country, were subject to decline as a result of change in ocean temperatures. He noted that in the Maldives a decline in tuna catch has been witnessed already.

As such the Ambassador reaffirmed the importance of reaching a binding and comprehensive agreement in Copenhagen next month. He further stressed on the necessity of international assistance to achieve sustainable development goals of Maldives and urged member States to commit to a plan of action in Copenhagen that will save the lives of millions – including 300,000 Maldivians.

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