Dr. Ibrahim Waheed, the Project Manager of the Digital Maldives for Adaptation, Decentralisation and Diversification (DMADD) project, attended the COP28 summit from 1st December to 12th December and took part in the discussions held at the digital innovation pavilion. Dr. Waheed briefed the audience with an insightful presentation on the Maldives Ocean Hackathon 2023, highlighting the Maldives’ effort to leverage digital technologies for climate adaptation, one of the key objectives of the DMADD project. He also outlined the other ambitious pilot projects to be implemented, which promise to transform climate adaptation measures in the island nation and set a benchmark for digital innovation in environmental resilience.

In a significant meeting, Dr Waheed accompanied the Minister of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy in discussions with Mr Xavier Castellanos, the Secretary-General for National Society Development and Operations at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). The dialogue focused on potential collaboration on the United Nations’ Early Warning for All initiative, emphasising early warning systems' critical role in mitigating climate-induced disasters' impacts.

Additionally, he attended the panel discussion on "Digital Transformation on a Livable Planet" held at the World Bank Pavilion. This session underscored the imperative of integrating digital technologies in the fight against climate change, enhancing the sustainability and livability of our planet. He also participated in some of the events organised by the United Nations Climate Change Global Innovation Hub, fostering global partnerships and innovation in climate action.

The 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) of the UNFCCC took place in Dubai from November 30th to December 13th 2024, and was a hotspot of global climate action, gathering experts, policymakers, and innovators worldwide.