Pivotal Role of Public-Private Partnerships for Climate Resilience in SIDS: Lessons from the Maldives

07 Apr 2024

Overview

The development journey of the Maldives is a story of resilience, innovation, and hope. As a small islands State that lies just 1.5 meters above sea-level, the coral islands of the Maldives are extremely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Shifting weather patterns and rising sea-levels threaten the entire population of the country with already limited and strained resources. These multiple and overlapping challenges exacerbate the inherent vulnerabilities of the country.

The Maldives is responding to these challenges through innovative policy interventions in close collaboration with the private sector. The country initiated an ambitious project over 27 years ago; the development of the artificial island of Hulhumalé – ‘the City of Hope’ to serve as a beacon of sustainability. Positioned at an elevation of two meters above sea-level, Hulhumalé serves as a solution to accommodate population growth and a defense mechanism against the escalating risks posed by rising sea levels. Hulhumalé’s development involved meticulous planning and consultation among planners, engineers, and environmentalists. The most remarkable aspect of the project was its emphasis on inclusive development.

By engaging in public-private partnerships (PPP), the Government forged strong collaborative ties with local and foreign investors. This approach introduced a transformative shift in urban development in the Maldives; from a residential focus to embracing large-scale projects in sectors such as tourism, ICT, housing, education, health, transport, and connectivity.

On the environmental front, the island has adopted eco-friendly transportation methods including electric buses and bicycle lanes. It seeks to reduce carbon footprint through increased solar photovoltaic systems. Its evolution into an eco-tourism hub with over 100 guesthouses appeals to travelers and families alike.

Inspired by Hulhumalé’s success, the Maldives is embarking on another bold initiative: Ras Malé, a new Eco-City. This project aims to offer housing solutions for 65,000 homes, addressing the housing crisis and opening doors to economic prosperity. With a focus on climate-smart development and renewable energy, Ras Malé represents the Maldives’ commitment to sustainable urban living and inclusive development.

The Maldivian Government’s plans for Ras Malé seeks to deepen its partnerships with the private sector in building a new city which has the resilience to adapt to the impacts of climate change, and foster an urbane living environment based on inclusivity and equality of opportunity for progress and prosperity.

Objectives:

The objective of this event is to illuminate the Maldives development journey of inclusive development by partnering with the private sector, amid the climate crisis. Delving into the obstacles encountered by the Maldives, speakers will explore the collaborative efforts among diverse stakeholders in overcoming these overlapping challenges faced by many other small islands developing states.  In particular, the speakers will identify innovative financing mechanisms and how public private partnerships can provide practical solutions for the climate resilient investments and inclusive development to achieve ambitious development targets.

Desired Outcomes:

The desired outcomes for the event are as follows:

  • Enhance understanding of the urgent action needed to support ambitious climate action in different cross-cutting sectors of the Maldives and other small island developing states.
  • Identify areas and opportunities for innovative financing and strengthened partnership and collaboration with governments of SIDS and private sector parties. 

Contact information: climate@environment.gov.mv 

For more information about the conference: 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States