Minister of Tourism and Environment, Mr. Thoriq Ibrahim, joins the third cohort of the Global Council on SDGs as Chairperson of the Global Council focusing on the Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action. The Global Councils on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) was established by the United Arab Emirates during the sixth edition of the World Government Summit, held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The third cohort (2024-2026) will be launched at the World Government Summit in February 2025.
The Global Councils on SDGs has played a vital role in fostering international collaboration to accelerate progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Each SDG within the Council is led by a Minister, and Minister Thoriq Ibrahim will assume the role of Chairperson for SDG 13: Climate Action, where he will champion efforts to address the global climate crisis. In its first two cohorts, the initiative has evolved into a comprehensive platform, showcasing the UAE’s commitment to tackling global challenges and advancing sustainable frameworks for communities and the environment.
As Chairperson of the Global Council on SDG 13: Climate Action, Minister Thoriq Ibrahim will lead national efforts in aligning the Maldives’ climate actions with global best practices. His leadership will also extend to the Government Exchange Experience Programme, which facilitates collaboration among countries, enabling the sharing of knowledge, insights, and strategies to drive impactful initiatives in climate action.
The Maldives, being one of the most vulnerable nations to climate change, will benefit greatly from Minister Ibrahim’s experience and expertise. His leadership in this global platform reinforces the country’s commitment to advancing climate action and contributing to global efforts in mitigating the effects of climate change.
The third cohort of the Global Councils on SDGs will focus on strengthening international cooperation, advancing the SDGs, and fostering prosperity for all. Minister Ibrahim’s appointment as Chairperson is a significant step toward accelerating global progress on climate action and advancing the Maldives’ role in global climate leadership.
As part of his role as Chairperson, Minister Thoriq Ibrahim will participate in several high-level engagements. He will deliver an intervention at the XDGs 2045 Ministerial Roundtable, discussing collaborative pathways to address global climate challenges and highlighting the Maldives’ efforts to advance climate resilience. He will also attend a World Bank High-Level Closed Meeting focused on “Enabling Technology and Innovation for Impact in the Water Sector”, where he will contribute to discussions on innovative technologies addressing water security and climate change impacts, drawing on the Maldives’ experience. At the SDGs in Action 2025 Forum, Minister Thoriq will take part in a panel discussion to showcase the Maldives’ initiatives to protect oceans and marine life, and reflect on the importance of securing climate finance and fostering partnerships for the resilience of vulnerable island nations. Additionally, he will address a session of the Global Council on SDGs, sharing key initiatives and strategies from the Maldives that could serve as a model for other countries, emphasizing the importance of knowledge exchange and collaboration for sustainable development. Through these engagements, Minister Ibrahim will continue to champion climate action and drive progress toward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.