Former President Mohamed Nasheed says that new technologies for renewable energy must be included in the manifestos of political parties, as part of economic policy.

He made the statement speaking in the Global Solar Finance and Investment Summit on Monday.

In his keynote address, Nasheed said that we need to change our lifestyles and economic activities, adding that we have to be more accepting to renewable energy sources and especially create our economies on this.

Speaking on renewable energy, Nasheed said that the biggest challenge facing leaders was how to shape future in face of climate change. He said reform must be instated in political views, economic and environment policies rather than radical views, if we are to make a change against climate change.

The former President stressed that low carbon policies must take precedence in driving the economies, noting that these can also increase jobs.

Nasheed noted that his administration’s plans of making Maldives a carbon neutral nation was then met with jeers and doubts. However, he pointed out that eight years later, the Maldives had access to cheaper energy, via solar, battery and hybrid systems. He added that it would be politically beneficial for leaders to link renewable energy and jobs creation.

Stressing that environment is not the only facet of renewable energy, Nasheed stressed that renewable energy must be framed as a jobs issue as well. This, he said must be communicated not just to politicians but also to public, with political parties including renewable energy and related technologies in their manifestos.

In conclusion, Nasheed called on parties to inculcate this into their policies and as vehicles for economic drive.