Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef has called for stronger and more resilient partnerships among Commonwealth member states, highlighting the importance of cooperation that respects national priorities while addressing shared development challenges.
Addressing Executive Session II of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, the Vice President outlined three key priorities for strengthening collaboration: building institutional capacity and empowering people, respecting national priorities and promoting self-reliance, and transforming common challenges into collective action.
CHOGM brings together leaders from the Commonwealth’s 56 member countries to discuss shared priorities, strengthen cooperation and shape the organisation’s future direction. The meeting provides a platform for addressing issues such as sustainable development, climate change, economic resilience and international cooperation.
During his address, Vice President Latheef stressed that partnerships should focus on developing lasting institutional capacity rather than simply meeting immediate needs. He also emphasised that cooperation must respect the national interests of member states and allow each country to determine its own development priorities.
He called for greater collaboration through the exchange of expertise, practical assistance and joint initiatives to tackle challenges ranging from climate resilience to digital transformation.
“A stronger Commonwealth is one that enables every nation to build on its own strengths,” he said.
The Vice President reaffirmed the Maldives’ ambition to become a developed nation by 2040, highlighting the Government’s targets of developing a digital economy that contributes 15 per cent of GDP by 2030 and generating 33 per cent of the country’s energy from renewable sources by 2028.
Describing these goals as key elements of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s vision for a more resilient Maldives, he said people, particularly young people, were both the driving force behind and the beneficiaries of national development.
He underscored the need to invest in their skills, knowledge and opportunities, noting that empowering the younger generation would be essential to achieving the country’s long-term development ambitions.
Vice President Latheef also drew attention to the effects of external pressures, including global supply chain disruptions and economic uncertainty, which continue to affect countries’ ability to invest and pursue long-term development plans.
He said the Commonwealth could play a significant role in supporting national development through meaningful partnerships that strengthen resilience, encourage self-reliance and help member states respond collectively to challenges affecting the wider international community.
