Dhaka:A former Maldivian president has stated that nations most impacted by climate change are seeking compensation rather than charity or aid.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Mohamed Nasheed emphasized that while some nations have profited by utilizing the planet's resources, others are suffering the consequences. Speaking at the Bay of Bengal Conversation 2026, Nasheed highlighted the need for ensuring the rights of climate-vulnerable countries in addressing the crisis.
The three-day international conference was organized by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS). Nasheed pointed out that climate-affected countries are delivering environmental services and should be fairly compensated for their contributions. He mentioned the disproportionate impact on countries like Nepal and the Maldives, which face severe floods and rising sea levels despite not contributing significantly to these issues.
Nasheed stressed the importance of a development strategy that achieves economic goals while protecting the environment. He argued against the expectation that poorer nations should remain impoverished for the sake of the planet and called for global recognition of the contributions made by these countries.
Further, he highlighted the existential threat posed by rising sea levels, particularly to nations like the Maldives, where territorial and boundary issues become pressing concerns. Nasheed criticized the view that climate change is a distant problem and urged the international community to acknowledge its universal impact.
He concluded by calling on international bodies to revise the definitions of statehood and maritime boundaries in response to the challenges posed by climate change.