President of Maldives Reacts to US Paris Withdrawal

Statement by H.E Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, President of Maldives on the United States Withdrawal from Paris Agreement
02 June 2017

“The Maldives, Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), regrets the decision of the United States to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. Not only does it represent a blow to the global efforts against climate change, it is also a setback for the multilateral process that is essential for governing the international community.
As one of the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, and a leader of 37 island and low-lying coastal nations at the United Nations, we are especially disappointed that the world’s largest economy and biggest historic emitter abdicated its responsibility on such a critical issue. Still, immediately after the US announcement was made, much of the world reaffirmed its commitment to the Paris Agreement and our common dignity as global citizens. The European Union and China announced plans to hold a special climate summit in September and emerging leaders like India and Brazil assured the world of their determination to press on in the effort moving forward. The Maldives will continue its historic role as the voice of the nations most vulnerable to climate change and work with all partners, new and old, to realise the promise of a clean energy economy and healthy planet.”