President H.E. Dr Mohamed Muizzu drew the spotlight on the challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS) due to climate change and advocated for their rights at the Fourth International Conference on SIDS (SIDS4) held from May 27–29, 2024, in Antigua and Barbuda.

The President noted access to financial assistance as one of the most significant difficulties confronting SIDS, adding that development should enable easy access to financial aid and that receiving or not receiving financial support is a matter of justice. Despite commitments made by the international community to augment development and climate financing for SIDS, President Dr Muizzu noted with concern that the net external resource inflow to SIDS has been on a declining trajectory over the past two decades. The President called upon Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) and international financial institutions (IFIs) to make possible changes to facilitate them.

President Dr Muizzu's statements during the conference garnered considerable interest from leaders of SIDS, researchers, and specialists representing various international organisations and service sectors at the conference. Furthermore, discussions with numerous international organisations were held regarding various areas of assistance to the Maldives.