Kuwait calls for strengthening international solidarity to address the impacts of rising sea levels

Kuwaiti Ambassador Sadik Maarifi, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for International Organizations Affairs, emphasized on Friday the importance of strengthening international solidarity to address the impacts of rising sea levels and ensuring that the most affected countries receive the financing, technologies, and capabilities necessary to adapt to their consequences.

He made these remarks in a speech delivered during Kuwait’s participation in the high-level meeting titled “Addressing the Existential Threats Posed by Rising Sea Levels,” held at the United Nations headquarters on the sidelines of the High-Level Week of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Maarifi noted that rising sea levels are no longer a distant challenge but a “reality” whose effects are expanding to impact the security, stability, and developmental gains of communities. He underscored the need to support the most affected countries, particularly the least developed countries and small island developing states.

He pointed out that, as a coastal state, Kuwait recognizes the importance of preparing for the long-term impacts of climate change, stressing the necessity of early planning, sustainable investment, and leveraging science and technology.

Ambassador Maarifi affirmed the country’s continued support for development efforts in developing nations through the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development) and its projects in the water, energy, agriculture, and infrastructure sectors.

The meeting discussed the growing implications of rising sea levels on community security, stability, natural resources, and infrastructure, as well as ways to enhance international cooperation in adaptation, financing, and capacity building, especially for countries most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.